Roadworks to improve an area of Douglas have been put back until next year.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer said a survey of existing road structures in Belmont Hill and St Catherine’s Drive had showed it was not possible to remove the existing surface and replace it with asphalt concrete surfacing.

’An alternative solution has been identified which will involve the thin surface material, micro asphalt, being laid over the existing road surface,’ he said.

Initially it had been hoped to start work during the summer, but the specialist off-island contractor, was not available. Because warm weather conditions are needed to lay the surface, it is now planned for next summer.

However there have been ’patch repairs’ on the failing road surface.

Work on footpaths at Belmont Hill and St Catherine’s Drive will take place before Christmas, with the replacement of defective areas.

Mr Harmer added: ’Some additional tactile dropped kerb crossing points will be installed to improve the route for children walking to school and other pedestrians.’