Calls for 'common sense and leniency' following reports of immediate clamping in Douglas

Calls have been made for private business owners in Douglas to apply common sense and leniency with regards to clamping in the area following Saturday’s fire.

The car fire at Douglas Village Shopping Centre has left the multi-storey car park and shops out of action, with demolition work required before any reopening date can be decided upon.

Speaking to The Echo, local councillor Mary Rose Desmond (FF) said she has received reports from people in the area of clampers being overzealous with regards to cars parked on private property.

She called on business owners to apply some leniency given the circumstances and allow car owners a drop-off period.

Her comments come after claims that one woman was clamped when she parked up to find out about her job at the shopping centre in the wake of the fire.

“We have heard reports that clampers are pouncing on cars in the area,” said Cllr Desmond.

“While these are on private lands, there have been a number of incidents reported back to us where people are being clamped very quickly.

“I would like to appeal to private owners to have some leniency and common sense,” she added.

“If people are leaving their cars there for hours on end and causing a blockage, then certainly clamping is warranted.

“But I feel that, given the circumstances in Douglas at the moment, a grace period and a bit of leniency and understanding is called for, and an end to immediate clamping in the village.”