Despite saying it would replace the footbridge by the Grandstand, the government has now decided it is not necessary.

The Department of Infrastructure has withdrawn its application (20/00081/B) for a replacement pedestrian bridge over Glencrutchery Road.

In the original application, the DoI said the previous bridge was life expired and that it wanted to install a new bridge with lifts that would ensure disabled access during TT and make it easier for those with mobility issues and would benefit elderly residents.

It said: ’After discussion with Age Concern, it was established that providing 24 hour Disability Discrimination Act access would possibly help improve the quality of life of some elderly and disabled nearby residents as they are more likely to feel more comfortable using the bridge as opposed to crossing the busy road.’

However, the DoI has now decided that residents don’t need a bridge over the road, either during or outside of TT and MGP periods.

Instead, the department has said residents can use the other access bridge at St Ninian’s, which is about 300 metres down the road from the current bridge.

A spokesman said: ’A planning application to replace the footbridge near the TT Grandstand has been withdrawn as it is not required for the safe operation of the Isle of Man TT or Festival of Motorcycling.

’The decision was also influenced by the availability of a footbridge nearby at St Ninian’s crossroads.’

However, while the DoI is saying residents can use this bridge, anyone wishing to cross from the Borough Cemetery side of the road to the Noble’s Park side when the roads are closed, including elderly residents, would be required to go through Willaston and back down Ballanard Road in order to cross the course.

Douglas Council had objected to the plans when they were first announced by the DoI in February.

The council’s executive committee has written to planners to say the bridge, which would - like the previous one - descend into the cemetery, should not be open for 24 hours a day.

The committee, chaired by council leader David Christian, also criticised the removal of mature trees and said the DoI had not consulted with the local authority before the application was submitted.

In the minutes for the committee, it stated that trees are at risk from the application, a mature sycamore, a mature elm and a holly tree, all of which are visible from the road, and these ’contribute positively to the character of the local area’.

The plans for the footbridge showed the cemetery being open 24 hours a day to allow pedestrians to use the bridge at any time.

But the council claimed that ’no discussion had taken place with the council with regard to the cemetery remaining open to match the proposed opening times of the new bridge’.