The first tracks that will be used by the Douglas horse trams have been laid as the tram season approaches.

Trams are due to begin running at the end of April and form a key part of the £20m promenades regeneration scheme.

The laying of the track at the bottom of Summer Hill comes at the start of what is likely to be a odd season for the trams.

The works and the rebuilding of the Strathallan tram sheds will see the trams stored in a temporary marquee- subject to planning permission being obtained.

The work hailed by Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer who said the promenade refurbishment was ’making really good steady progress’

He added: ’It is on time and on schedule at the moment which is good news because it is really important to get things moving and its also the first time we’re also installing something that will be used for the future.’

Chief Minister Howard Quayle was also full of praise for the work.

Mr Quayle added: ’The hardest part of any journey is the first step.

’It has taken a long time to get to this position.

’There haves been debates as to whether the trams go on the walk way or do away with them in total.

’But I think it is part of our heritage, the Isle of Man is a unique and a fantastic place to live, our steam and electric railways and the horse trams are as much part of our DNA as the Laxey wheel and our beautiful countryside so personally I thought it was very important we kept it.’

Mr Quayle also sympathised with businesses and residents affected by the works but said that the work had to be done and said the old promenade ’looked tired’.