The government has backtracked over plans to reduce free parking on Douglas promenade to one hour.

It follows lobbying from the retail sector. The existing two-hour free parking in promenade disc zones will continue. But Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said this would result in a ?200,000 annual loss in expected income from off-street car parks.

He said: 'As part of last month’s announcements I made clearthat I would try to help the retail sector in the run up to Christmas. I am pleased that my ongoing discussions with my political colleagues have resulted in financial support now being offered to the Department to meet the expected losses these free parking concessions will incur. The parking provisions announced today will provide a timely boost to the town centre economy as shops gear up for their busiest period of the year.'

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