Plans to buy deckchairs aims to boost footfall

A local authority in the north of the Isle of Man is set to purchase 35 new deckchairs in a bid to support local footfall and improve the visitor experience.

At its recent public meeting, Ramsey Commissioners agreed to the move which would cost £8,350.

It said it had frequently found that its existing 35 deckchairs were not enough to service both the areas around the Ramsey Courthouse, Mooragh Park or for events in the town centre.

In a report, Deputy Town Clerk Steven Bevan said during the peak season there was "insufficient seating, reducing dwell time and spend at nearby cafes and shops."

"Providing comfortable, managed seating will increase visitor dwell time, encourage repeat visits, and create a visible improvement to the town offering," he added.

The local authority was also proposing that storage was created at the Courthouse, Mooragh Water Park and the entrance to Mooragh to allow for easy access.

The funds are hoped to be covered by the Department for Enterprise's Local Economy Fund which aims to improve trade.

The total cost for the deckchairs, which had a lifespan of five years, were estimated to be £3,850, while the cost for the storage units would be about £4,200.

The existing and proposed deckchairs would all be branded with the Ramsey Town Commissioners' logo, which the local authority said promoted the town when used for events outside of Ramsey such as Tynwald Day Fair.

The chairs would also improve the public realm and accessibility for older residents and families, the local authority said.

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