A meeting between Douglas Borough Council and the Department of Tourism and Leisure to consider the possible redevelopment of the Bowl has been described as "very constructive".

The issue was the subject of some discussion in the House of Keys yesterday, when Tourism Minister Martyn Quayle faced a series of questions from North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson.

There's concern the venue, which is scheduled to host the rugby sevens tournament during the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, won't be refurbished in time for the prestigious event.

Mr Quayle believes there is a chance it could still happen in time and, after yesterday's meeting, Leader of the Council David Christian says he could be right.

Councillor Christian told Manx Radio:

"I feel a lot more positive now than what I have felt in recent months, because I think the Department of Tourism want the games to be a resounding success, as I'm sure the rest of the Island does, and I think they demonstrated to me yesterday that they are committed now to try and move this whole scheme forward.

"Basically, what was agreed at this meeting was that we would look now at setting up a working group, made up from both sides, to move swiftly to look at the plans the Corporation have already worked on.

"We have done a lot, particularly in relation to site investigation, because it is built on an old landfill site, so there are problems there.

"That work has already been done, so that's already in place."

Mr Christian says work would need to start no later than March 2010 and the cost would have to be split 50/50 between the local authority and central government.