Closure of Castletown Square Notice PER161

Summary

The request sought details on the decision-making process and objection statistics regarding the closure of Castletown Square. The Department of Infrastructure disclosed the legal authority used, confirmed the Town Clerk's supportive stance, and provided corrected figures on the number of objections and petitions received.

Key Facts

• The consultation period for the closure expired on 18 October 2024.
• The decision to close the square was made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1985.
• The Town Clerk of Castletown was supportive of the proposal, though specific influence levels are not recorded.
• A total of 17 letters/emails were received, comprising 14 objections and 3 in support.
• A petition containing 48 signatures in objection was also received.

Data Disclosed

• 18 October 2024
• 17 letters/emails
• 14 objections
• 3 in support
• 48 signatures
• Road Traffic Regulation Act 1985
• Section 1
• Section 3
• 7 November 2024
• 18 October 2024

Original Request

Who and under what authority made the decision to close objections in contravention of the time stated in the Notice. Who and under what authority made the decision to close the Square. Was the Town Clerk of Castletown influential in this decision. How many objections were received to the proposal closing the square and at what time and date were the last objections received. Why when a member of the department stated the petitions would be accepted on the afternoon of Friday 18th was this reversed.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Department of Infrastructure Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

Contact: FOI Response Team Telephone: (01624) 686785 Email: dpo-doi@gov.im

Our ref: 4204708 7 November 2024

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 18 October 2024, which states:

"Who and under what authority made the decision to close objections in contravention of the time stated in the Notice.

Who and under what authority made the decision to close the Square.

Was the Town Clerk of Castletown influential in this decision.

How many objections were received to the proposal closing the square and at what time and date were the last objections received.

Why when a member of the department stated the petitions would be accepted on the afternoon of Friday 18th was this reversed."

We apologise for the incorrect figures that were previously released in our initial response in part 4 of your request. Please see the Department’s revised response below.

(1) The consultation period expired on 18th October 2024. This was the date advertised for consultation period closure. Any representations made before or on this date were accepted.

(2) The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1985 provides the legal powers to prohibit or restrict traffic. Traffic Regulation Orders are made under section 1 and Temporary Notices are made under section 3 of that Act.

(3) The Department does not hold the information as to the level of influence the Town Clerk had in the decision. However, the Town Clerk of Castletown was supportive of the proposal.

(4) 17 letters/emails were received relating to the proposed order specified above, including 3 in support and 14 objections. A petition with 48 signatures in objection to the proposed order was also received. The last objection was received on 18th October 2024.

(5) All representations made before or on this date were accepted.

Please quote the reference number 4204708 in any future communications.

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I will now close your request as of this date.