The redevelopment of the capital’s promenade has thrown a spanner in the works for planners of Douglas Carnival, with the event’s future still up in the air.

A proposal to relocate the parade route on to roads along the perimeter of Noble’s Park was discussed at this month’s meeting of Douglas Council.

Officers had suggested that the carnival could be combined with Noble’s Park Fun Day in a bid to boost numbers, save money and to cut down on any logistical issues.

The proposed new route for the parade would start at the Grandstand, turning left at St Ninian’s traffic lights, left onto Upper Duke’s Road, then left up Duke’s Avenue, before ending in Noble’s Park.

Many councillors questioned the viability of this plan, including leader David Christian, who said he couldn’t see how the event could be adequately controlled, particularly in a residential area.

He argued that footfall from the carnival gives back to traders, so holding it in Noble’s won’t be of benefit.

Mr Christian suggested the council shouldn’t hold the carnival until the promenade becomes a viable location again and instead should concentrate funds on improving the Noble’s Fun Day.

Councillor Stephen Pitts, who chairs the regeneration and community committee, which organises council community events, conceded the event was difficult to relocate.

After the discussion, councillors agreed to seek further clarification from officers over the proposed new route, and no decision has yet been taken over the carnival’s future.

The carnival returned to the capital in 2014 after an absence of 15 years to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Douglas Corporation Transport. The parade has been run along Loch Promenade and terminated at the Villa Marina.

But with the promenade regeneration works, it is possible the carnival and subsequent parade may not return to Douglas until the scheme has finished.

Mr Christian had suggested that the carnival should be brought back when the work is finished as a way to celebrate the completion of the new promenade, potentially leaving Douglas with no carnival until 2021.