The Department of Infrastructure will start work next week to enhance pedestrian facilities in the heart of Port St Mary.

The improvements to Bay View Road have been identified as a priority by the South West Regeneration Committee, as they support the rejuvenation of one of the Port’s main retail areas.

Work is scheduled to get under way on Monday 19 October to replace the existing concrete and tarmac footways, which are in poor condition. The new surface will comprise a mixture of concrete paving flags and setts and granite-like kerbs, while the dropped kerbs and tactile paving at junctions will be renewed.

Work will take place from the controlled pedestrian crossing at Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey to the New Baptist Church, south of Gellings Avenue.

The project is expected to take 13 weeks to complete and will be phased in order to maintain access to shops and businesses, particularly in the busy period leading up to Christmas. Traffic management and suspensions of parking will be required in sections to minimise disruption.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘This scheme supports the wider improvements being undertaken by the Regeneration Committee and local authority to make Port St Mary an even more attractive place to visit and shop. It will give the area a real lift and benefit the local economy. We will aim to reduce any inconvenience while the work is carried out and I’d like to thank the local community in advance for their cooperation.’