Improvements are being made to the section of footpath near to the River Neb to make the Heritage Trail more accessible.

The 10-day scheme, which has already begun, focuses on the path between Peel power station and the weir near Glenfaba bridge.

The Heritage Trail between Douglas and Peel runs along the old railway line from the Quarterbridge in Douglas to near the old Peel station.

A spokesman for the Department of Infrastructure said: ’One of the main objectives of the Heritage Trail scheme is to improve the surface quality in order to attract and accommodate more users, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and people with limited mobility.

’It also supports the government’s "active travel" strategy by enabling people to use the path more easily and reducing traffic on the roads.’

The active travel strategy is the government’s plan to get residents travelling to work and/or school to not use cars, motorcycles and buses but to walk or cycle instead.

A government consultation into the proposals to improve non-motorised infrastructure proved popular with the 367 respondents, of which, a majority saw the benefits of improved health and less vehicular pollution that can be gained by less residents using vehicles.

Within the report, the DoI said it is ’proposed that the long-term vision for the Isle of Man is to be an island where cycling and walking are normal and realistic transport choices for people of all ages and abilities’.

access

Full pedestrian access is maintained during the works, although people should be wary of moving machinery and deposited materials.

More information can be found on the consult.gov.im website by searching Encouraging Active Travel on the Isle of Man.