The Department of Infrastructure is negotiating with landowners over plans to develop a pedestrian route and cycleway between Ramsey and Sulby.

The proposal includes building a bridge over Sulby river.

It’s all part of the ’active travel’ strategy using the route of the former steam railway line.

Much of the line in the area was sold off to private landowners after the railway was shut in the late sixties.

An 800-metre newly surfaced path linking Gardener’s Lane and Poyll Dooey Road, on what was local authority land, was officially opened last month.

Sections of the remaining stretch are in private hands, with 19 property owners along the route.

The DoI says progressing the aims of the strategy was a key objective of this administration.

A spokesman said: ’Efforts are being made to provide facilities and infrastructure which encourage more healthy lifestyles.

’Following the opening of the new footpath and cycleway in Ramsey at the weekend, officers are exploring the possibility of creating a link with Sulby, which would follow the route of the former steam railway line and involve a bridge over Sulby river.

’Meetings are being scheduled with landowners to explore how the plans, which are in their very early stages, may develop.’