Tesco still has hopes of setting up a store in Castletown – provided it can receive an alcohol licence.
The Island's licensing court has already turned down three applications by the supermarket giant for permission to sell alcohol at a proposed Express store in the Callow's Yard complex.
However, in a letter to the commissioners, to be considered at their board meeting next week, complex owner - local businessman Roy Tilleard – says Tesco still wants to move to the town but it’s dependent on the granting of an alcohol licence.
It’s been nearly a year since Tesco’s latest application to the licensing court.
It was turned down when the court agreed there were already enough alcohol licences in the town.
Concerns over social problems fuelled by alcohol abuse were also put forward.
Now, in a letter to commissioners’ chairman Richard McAleer, Mr Tilleard claims another retailer, Poundland, is considering opening a Dealz Store at Callow’s Yard should Tesco get approval.
He says both stores would bring substantial footfall to the ancient capital, benefiting all traders and stopping what he calls the ‘town’s terminal decline in retail business’.