Thousands sign petition to keep Laxey Beach Cafe seating

Commissioners says it will be 'enhancing' shelter area

More than 2,500 people have signed an online petition to try and help the Laxey Beach Cafe keep its outdoor seating.

The public shelter the cafe adjoins, as well as the pavement outside the front of the property, has been used for customers for the last 15 years.

Now the cafe says the shelter’s owners, Garff Commissioners, have asked for them to be removed despite the longstanding agreement.

Julie Pinson is the owner and a commissioner herself:

Garff Commissioners says it has plans to enhance the current facilities within the shelter over the coming months.

It says all customers of the ‘kiosk takeaway’ will be ‘absolutely welcome’ to use the facilities to consume food an drink items inside the building along with all members of the public.

A statement adds: “The commissioners have not fully finalised their plans at this stage but have resolved to install lockers for ‘swimmers’, adjacent shower facilities beside the building, etc, along with a range of other internal facilities and amenities to benefit the public and beach users.”

You can find the petition HERE - a paper copy of the petition is also available in the cafe.