Traders are ’in shock’ to learn of the loss of parking spaces said Port Erin Traders’ Association chairman Steve George, who is also a commissioner in the village.

’We didn’t know about it until last week, and the commissioners didn’t either.

’It is unfortunate timing, just when traders were getting on an even keel after many months of disruption from the regeneration scheme.

We wondered why it can’t be done over the winter, but they’d have to get a contractor from off island.

’We are in shock. They never consulted us and there had been such close consultation over the regeneration scheme. We only found out when Juan Watterson (MHK) told us on August 21.

’It is part of the original regeneration work, but no one realised the parking would go. It came out of the blue. We get the impression this will suit the railways but not the traders.’

Mr Watterson said: ’It is fair to say the traders are disappointed with the timing, and would have preferred to wait till the winter.’

Frances Tinkler of the Whistlestop cafe said: ’We’ve only just got back to any kind of normality after the regeneration scheme work and now we’ll have disruption again.

’But it will be very exciting when it’s finished and it will generate a more lively community atmosphere.

’We had a great time recently when they did Island at War and we would hope for something like that with a chance for live music on the station platform.’