The DoT is proposing a Laxey sewage treatment option that is split in two.

Firstly, at the far end of the promenade and secondly, adjacent to the harbour where there is a current holding tank for tidal discharge of the raw sewage into the sea.

Garff MHK Steve Rodan says both these sites are 'totally unacceptable'.

Reiterating the comments he made in Tynwald in July when Transport Minister David Anderson presented the IRIS regional sewage treatment strategy business case, Mr Rodan said he welcomed a regional treatment strategy as the best and most appropriate approach to sewage treatment for the west, east and north of the Island, but was not happy with the choice of sites.

With regard to the promenade he said: 'I can hardly think of a worse site. To put the local sewage treatment works at the end of Laxey promenade is totally unacceptable.

'There is no way a sewage treatment works is going to operate on Laxey promenade unless there is absolutely no other alternative.'

He said it took no account of the fact that the Laxey harbour and promenade area were attractive and popular places with visitors and locals, were within a conservation area and were residential areas.

He believed a more satisfactory proposal would be to pump the flow via Laxey, Baldrine and Onchan. for later treatment at Meary Veg, Santon.

The MHK and the local commissioners have expressed their concerns to the DoT and have asked them to look at other alternatives.

He predicted there would be strong public feeling against the current proposals, but said a public meeting would be premature as they were still waiting for the DoT to come back with the answer to a number of questions.

'The DoT has been looking at several other sites and are continuing to do this in conjunction with the commissioners and myself,' he said.

'As far as I am concerned the option of pumping to Onchan and then to Meary Veg should remain an option, albeit a more expensive option, but that's the price that may have to be paid to protect Laxey promenade and harbour.'

He added: 'The minister, Mr Anderson has given me an assurance in Tynwald that the department would work with the local authority to find a preferred site.

'There might well be better options that are screened from residential properties and that do not affect the tourist amenity.'