Editor's attack on council decision

Douglas council's decision to scrap the horse trams has been attacked by a respected UK rail enthusiasts' publication.

An editorial in this month's edition of The Railway Magazine describes the loss as a 'massive blow to the Island's wonderful Victorian transport heritage'.

In the article, Chris Milner describes the council's refusal to continue funding the historic tramway as 'disgraceful' and 'short sighted'.

Douglas council says the operation is no longer financially viable.

But the magazine, which has been published since 1897, says the tramway should have been considered suitable for volunteer operation, sponsorship or even leased out on a franchise basis. 

A working party involving the council, government and Island heritage organisations is considering whether the trams can be retained.