A charity campaigning to bring to life the heritage of Knockaloe internment camp fears a sewage plant scheme could scupper their plans.

Government-owned land at Knockaloe is one of a number of sites being considered by Manx Utilities for a regional sewage treatment plant for Peel.

The Knockaloe Internment Camp charity has ambitious plans to create an interpretation centre at what they believe is a potential world heritage site, together with an extended circular footpath telling the story of the site.

But its ambitions were put on hold earlier this year when DEFA announced it would not at present be pursuing any proposals to develop the site as a heritage visitor attraction.

Instead, it would let the farm out to agricultural tenants.

In the meantime, pending a decision on the location of the sewage treatment works, a scaled back interpretation path is being created and will be launched later this year.

The charity’s Alison Jones said: ’We wholeheartedly commend this government for addressing this long overdue issue to ensure Peel’s sewerage is properly processed.

’It is reasonable that Knockaloe should be included one of the sites considered.

’However, we also believe that it does not provide an appropriate location on the basis that it is a greenfield potential World Heritage Site, of significant value to the island as the location of the world’s largest ever internment camp, and a sensitive site to preserve and commemorate for descendants of the internees who spent WW1 living there 100 years ago.’

She said the path could be extended if the decision was taken not to locate the sewage farm at Knockaloe.

Another site being considered by Manx Utilities is closer to Peel, on the western side of the River Neb just past the disused quarry.

Phil King, chief executive, said a number of sites, including Knockaloe, were being looked at and were subject to commercially sensitive negotiations as well as planning and cost.

A Tynwald scrutiny committee was also looking at the regional stratregy.

He confirmed that a decision on a location would be made at some point this year.

DEFA said the permissive route through Knockaloe Farm up to Raad ny Foillan has been waymarked and in use since Easter and is proving popular.

It said it held a ’productive’ meeting last week with the charity which is creating a visitors centre and archive of the World War One camp.

A DEFA spokesman said: ’The department will maintain the footpath and it, the charity and the Manx Footpath Conservation Group are working together to create markers, signage and interpretation information for the path and are planning an opening later in the year.

’The path accesses a viewing area from where the beautiful views of the farm can be obtained and the significant history of Knockaloe can be explained and further interpretation is planned for there.

’There are also discussions over creating artwork along the path in acknowledgement of its place in history.’