Douglas councillors have criticised the Department of Infrastructure over its application to replace the TT bridge over Glencrutchery Road.

The DoI has applied to replace the former blue bridge with a larger one which will run from Noble’s Park to inside Douglas Borough Cemetery.

It was discussed by Douglas Council last week.

Members including Councillor Ian Clague criticised the lateness of the application given that TT was just over two months away.

Mr Clague: ’It will be more than an inconvenience to residents who can’t get out during TT.

’The lack of consultation from the department is a disgrace.’

Councillor Betty Quirk added: Why have government left it until now? They should have had plans in place a year ago.’

It was a sentiment shared by Councillor Karen Angela, who said she had reported the bridge’s condition to the DoI as far back as 2016.

She said she had been contacted by residents concerned about how they would be able to cross the road during TT.

Council leader David Christian said it was ’clear that councillors are all disappointed and annoyed with the lack of consultation undertaken by the DoI.’

Mr Christian also said the council was objecting to the application both as the local authority and the land owner of both sides of the road.

He added that he is ’concerned’ that if the bridge was open 24 hours a day, all year round, it could lead to an increase in vandalism in the cemetery.

Mr Christian said: ’This is the last thing we’d want.’

The Council leader told members that he had contacted DoI Minister Ray Harmer over the bridge but that he had received no response.

The department’s application(20/00081/B) for a replacement bridge came after the previous one was deemed unsafe.

â?¢ Councillors discussed the application last week before a decision was announced to cancel this year’s TT.