The Department of Infrastructure has consulted Ramsey Commissioners on its proposal to surface a section of the old northern railway line, which is owned by the commissioners and runs from Gardeners Lane to the junction with Bircham Avenue/Station Road.

In a letter to the board, Tim Cowin of the highway services division said that it is proposed to surface the track to a condition that would allow ’access for all’, meaning that the surface would be smooth and regulated but may not be a tarmac type surface.

It would be suitable for use by all types of people, be they able bodied or with some level of disability.

It would also be for walking and cycling and would be similar to stretches of Douglas promenade where the directive is ’share with care’.

He added there could be a requirement to light the track as in the winter months, but as the department does not have responsibility for street lighting, this would have to be discussed.

The commissioners were happy with the plan in principle, with Julia Wedgwood commenting: ’It can’t be anything but positive.’