Douglas Council Leader David Christian says he looks forward to speaking to Department of Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne 'at his earliest convenience' over the future of the horse tram service.
He said councillors had been disappointed that the department had launched a public consultation without first inviting the council's views. Douglas Corporation operates the service.
Major works on Douglas promenade, including relocating the tram tracks, were due to get under way this autumn but have been halted so the DOI can re-examine the scheme. A public consultation got under way on October 8.
Mr Christian said: '‘Members’ concerns have been expressed against a background of mounting speculation in the media about the relocation of the tram tracks – and indeed about the future of the service itself. As a prime stakeholder in a scheme that is of vital importance to the regeneration of Douglas the Council is eager to partner with the Department and arrive at a mutually acceptable and beneficial solution."
The council has called for a full presentation on the latest proposals and is writing to Mr Gawne to say that any proposed amendments to the agreement governing the operation of the service must be received in advance, so members could take legal advice and consider their decision.
Mr Christian said: 'Right from the outset, when the resurfacing of the promenade was first mooted, the Council expressed a willingness to listen to the Department’s proposals and made clear that it must be included in all discussions. To date, regrettably, the latter has not always been the case, as evidenced by the Department electing to go out to public consultation before seeking the views of the
Council.
'Members would welcome an open and frank exchange with the Department - hence this call for a full presentation – but this can only take place after long overdue amendments to the Heads of Agreement have been received and discussed by the Council.'
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