Regeneration plans for Ramsey town centre are set to receive a boost with the news that Isle of Man Post Office is to relocate Ramsey post office from Court Row to the Courthouse in Parliament Street. The area of the Courthouse has been identified as one of the early phases of the overall Ramsey regeneration plan agreed by the Chief Minister’s regeneration steering group. In tandem with the post office’s move, brought about by the Court Row building being returned to private ownership, Ramsey police station is to relocate from the Courthouse to Ramsey Town Hall. Chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners and member of the Ramsey regeneration committee Captain Nigel Malpass welcomed the moves, saying: ‘The Commissioners are pleased that in relinquishing their Court Row premises Isle of Man Post Office has secured the long-term future of the Courthouse, a high-profile site that lies at the heart of the town and is set to become the focal point of a newly revitalised Ramsey. The broad range of services provided by Ramsey post office generates a footfall of some 20,000 customers per month and the new, more prominent, location will undoubtedly encourage increased retail activity in the area. ‘The Commissioners are also pleased to be welcoming the Northern Neighbourhood Policing Team to the town hall, a move we see as strengthening our enduring partnership links with the team and reinforcing our community role in the north of the Island.’ Northern Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Richard Power commented: ‘This move will develop joint agency neighbourhood policing for the benefit of the northern community and support the Ramsey regeneration initiative. My team and I look forward to the move which will result in some cost savings for the Department of Home Affairs and improved service to the community.’ Martyn Quine, general manager for the Post Office network said: ‘We are dedicated to offering excellent customer service via an extensive range of products and services to the Ramsey community. We believe a move into the Courthouse demonstrates this and are looking forward to welcoming customers to our new home. We see the Courthouse as a prestige building in the heart of the regeneration area of Ramsey town centre and it is only fitting that the post office be part of this.’ The move has been welcomed by the Ramsey Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Chris Blatcher said: ‘The Chamber is delighted to hear of the change of use of the Courthouse from a police station to the post office which creates vital footfall within the town. The Chamber is keen to support a more public use of the historic Courthouse building which is so prominent in the town centre. This is a ground-breaking initiative brought about in the spirit of a true government and community partnership. Real progress is being made in revitalising the town and this move will complement the future regeneration plans for Ramsey.’ Ends