New Summerland home plan for Isle of Man tram horses

The Isle of Man horse tram is the oldest horse-drawn tramway in the world still in regular service

The horses used to pull the Isle of Man's trams could get a new home after plans were submitted to the government.

The plans would see a temporary facility built on the vacant Summerland site and include tram sheds, stables and parking.

The future of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway is uncertain due to running costs and plans to develop the promenade.

The application will be considered at a later date. In July, Tynwald approved a plan to secure the service until 2018.

The application would see a temporary structure built on the Summerland site.

The infrastructure minister said a temporary building on the Summerland site would give time to develop a "long-term solution".

Ray Harmer MHK said: "It is better to develop a well thought out plan and have a good chance of securing the long-term future of the line than rush through a scheme."

The current stables, which have been used since 1877, are in need of major repairs.

The Department of Infrastructure said the proposed building could be "removed or reused" if the horse tram service is abandoned or retained in the future.

The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway has been ferrying tourists along the town's promenade for more than 140 years.