It seems there is strong support for a yachting marina in Ramsey.

The Department of Infrastructure held a consultation event around this time last year, to obtain the public's views on the two options for the scheme.

Over 930 people attended the three sessions and well over 600 questionnaires were returned.

The vast majority of respondants favoured one of the two options, which would involve impounding either the whole harbour upstream of the swing bridge, or just the old harbour.

Fifty-two people said they didn't want a marina in the town.

Political member for harbours at the DOI David Callister, MLC, says there does appear to be overwhelming support for a marina, but admits that in the present, difficult financial times it could be several years before anything happens (play audio file):

More recently the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has said it would like to make the Ramsey estuary an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

The suggestion sparked an angry response from the town's commissioners, who said it would stifle economic growth and development schemes in the harbour area.

The issues will be debated at a public meeting later this month.