The Douglas Development Partnership is considering whether to ask government to bring forward new legislation to further support town centres in the Isle of Man.

It follows a review by retail expert Mary Portas into ways of reviving Britain's high streets.

The partnership says it's encouraged by the fact a number of her recommendations are already being implemented, or are under consideration, in the Island's capital.

It's particularly keen on the idea of a national market day, and agrees there is a pressing need to 'put the heart back into our high streets'.

Some of the recommendations in the review relate to legislation the Isle of Man doesn't have at present, and the suggestion is that business improvement districts could be advanced, if suitable regulations were in place.

A Business Improvement District is a clearly defined geographical area within which businesses have voted to invest collectively in improvements to enhance their trading environment. There are well over 100 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with 25 in London alone.

On the subject of markets, Ms Portas says they are 'a fantastic way to bring a town to life'. She also wants to see high streets become 'destinations' for socialising, culture, health, wellbeing, creativity and learning, rather than simply somewhere to shop.

(Picture: Development manager for the Douglas Development Partnership Chris Pycroft).