Opportunities to be explored for "expensive" horse trams

Wed, 27 Jan 2016

Getting rid of the horse trams isn't clear cut - and it would cost millions in taxpayer cash.

That's according to Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson - who says it's written into legislation that Douglas Council would still have to pay out for disposal if they're binned.

The annual deficit currently stands at around £300,000, and stabling costs and restorative works have been pegged at a maximum of £7 million.

A debate was launched on efforts to save them in the House of Keys yesterday - now, a working party will look into whether or not the tramways are feasible.

Chief Minister Allan Bell says he's willing to find out, but it's doubtful: