Residents and business owners in Onchan have identified traffic congestion, tourism strategy, and the cost of living as their primary concerns ahead of the 2026 House of Keys election. The constituency, situated on the east coast of the Isle of Man, holds the second-largest population on the island after Douglas.
Sally Hellwich, who has operated a family travel business in Onchan for three decades, expressed disappointment that no candidates have prioritized the tourism sector. “I truly believe that tourism underpins the Isle of Man. And if we don’t have tourists, we’re not generating income for the economy,” she said, noting that housing accessibility for younger generations is also a significant challenge.
For parents like Lara, speeding vehicles in the town center pose a serious safety risk, particularly for children walking to school independently. While a statewide initiative to introduce more 20mph zones near schools and residential areas began under the previous administration, the expansion northward faced local opposition due to fears of increased congestion.
Lara questioned the resistance to the speed reductions, pointing out that other cities, such as Belfast, commonly utilize traffic calming measures like speed bumps around schools. She argued that such infrastructure is necessary for safety but is currently lacking on the island.
Business owners Dinko Matevski and Liliya Slavova, who have run a cafe in Onchan’s Village Walk area for three years, highlighted the financial pressures facing local enterprises. Originally from Bulgaria, the couple noted that escalating stock prices have made operations difficult. “Every day our suppliers are coming with new prices and we’re trying to survive,” Matevski said.
Slavova added that rising costs have prevented them from hiring additional staff, while changing customer habits have seen patrons reducing their orders. “They’re struggling,” she observed.
Voters across the Isle of Man will head to the polls on 24 September, with stations open from 08:00 to 20:00 BST.
Rising supplier costs are killing small businesses. We need practical support, not just sympathy from politicians.
I heard there was significant local opposition to the northern 20mph zones due to congestion fears. Who won that argument?
Safe speeds near schools should be standard, not a debate. It’s about child safety, plain and simple.