'More investment needed' for Douglas Promenade

More than 450 people took part in a survey about the promenade

Douglas Promenade should receive further investment to secure its future, most respondents to an Isle of Man government survey have said.

The Department of Infrastructure undertook a public consultation on the promenade and has revealed the outcome.

In all some 452 people responded to the questionnaire.

Seventy seven per cent said they wanted the promenade to receive more investment and 57% that the appearance was not of a high enough standard.

Four fifths of respondents said maintaining and improving the promenade was "vital to the continuing promotion of the island as a sought after destination", the department said.

'Clear priorities'

Among the other responses, there was support for altering the horse tramway - with 64% of respondents wanting to see it moved to one side of the highway and 79% preferring a single track.

Most people - 70% - wanted the parking spaces to remain or increase in number.

Infrastructure minister Phil Gawne said: "I am delighted that so many people chose to engage with this consultation and share their views.

"I am very pleased that clear priorities emerged and that there is a viable way forward.

"The next step will be to prepare some detailed plans and we will invite further comment on those before proceeding."

Tynwald has provisionally identified a budget of £10m over the next four years to progress with the project.