The manager of the Douglas Development Partnership has defended the use of off-Island consultants in the regeneration of the town centre.

Five strategies have been identified with projects which look at everything from street design to green spaces.

They will be carried out in consultation with the public and local businesses and in partnership with the Douglas Local Regeneration Committee.

They will be driven forward by consultants based off-island and Chris Pycroft says at this stage we need their expertise.

However, he says local companies will be used in the later stages of the projects