THE post office and police station in Ramsey are relocating as part of the regeneration plans for the town centre.

The post office will move from Court Row to the Courthouse in Parliament Street after the Courthouse was identified as one of the early phases of the overall regeneration plan.

Ramsey Police Station will relocate from the Courthouse to Ramsey Town Hall.

Captain Nigel Malpass, chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners, said: "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."

Inspector Richard Power, of the Northern Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "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, 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 also been welcomed by the Ramsey Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Chris Blatcher said: "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."

The Court Row building will be returned to private ownership once the post office has moved.