A public consultation meeting on Wednesday about a proposed conservation zone in Douglas seems to have failed to stimulate much interest.

Conservation Officer Stephen Moore said by mid-afternoon the meeting had been rather poorly attended, but he hoped this meant people were generally happy with the proposals.

If the zone gets the go-ahead, it'll encompass an area centred on the capital's "business district", including Athol Street, Victoria Street and Prospect Hill.

Mr Moore says buildings in this part of the capital, many of which date back to the 19th Century, have been earmarked for preservation for some time (audio file attached):

(Picture: Some of the buildings which would be protected by the proposed zone)