A petition has been launched in a bid to reinstate the former Douglas to Peel railway.

The petitioners say the line would provide economic benefits to Peel and reduce congestion.

Having been the first branch of the line to open in 1873, the Douglas to Peel line was closed in 1968 by Archibald Kennedy, 7th Marquess of Ailsa after he leased the railways in 1967, this left only the existing Douglas to Port Erin line in operation.

Since closure, the railway tracks have been lifted with part of the line used as the access road during TT and the Heritage Trail runs its length from Quarterbridge to Peel.

The petition, set up by supporters of the railways, is calling on the government to relay the tracks and open it as a commuter and tourist line.

According to the creators of the petition: ’Peel would benefit from a direct rail link to Douglas, bringing tourism and increased visitor numbers.’

They added: ’Many Manx people combine a day out with a train trip, and adding Peel to the network with its castle and museums would increase Peels visitor numbers.

’Castletown and Port Erin in particular are popular leisure destinations for Manx residents and tourists alike, railway services would allow Peel and St John’s to similarly benefit.

’The railway would reduce congestion, particularly during TT and Festival of Motorcycling periods.

’There are also many visitors who only travel by rail, visiting the island during rush hour and transport festival and do not go to Peel.’

The petitioners also argue that Isle of Man Railways would ’benefit from being able to operate commuter services to Peel, similar to those operating from Port Erin, bringing in more revenue and getting people out of their cars’.

They added: ’The Isle of Man has declared a climate emergency, so an expanded rail network would be a way to reduce car usage.

’Isle of Man Railways would be able to offer more varied destinations for the dining car, allowing diversification of the current offering. Evenings in Castletown, Port Erin, St John’s and Peel could all be offered as destinations. ’And, of course, the re-opening of the western line would be a huge attraction for railway visitors.’

The petition can be found at: https://www.change.org/p/isle-of-man-government-re-open-the-douglas-to-peel-railway-line?redirect=false