A Douglas councillor says it would be 'madness' to proceed with the ?3.7 million redevelopment of the Bowl.

Ahead of a special meeting of the Council today, to discuss the local authority's contribution to the project, David Ashford says it's no longer prudent to commit around ?1.7 million of ratepayers' money to the scheme.

His comments echo those of Council leader David Christian who says such a level of expenditure cannot be justified in the new economic climate.

The Council is thought to be divided over the issue, but Councillor Ashford, who initially supported the redevelopment, says his position has now changed: