Douglas Promenade walkway isn't being opened to provide parking for the Manx Music Festival on the grounds of safety.

Transport Minister David Anderson told the House of Keys the needs of cyclists and pedestrians had to be considered, and his department couldn't staff such a set-up.

The issue was raised by North Douglas MHK John Houghton, whose request to make the space available was tabled as a Question of Urgent Public Importance.

But Mr Anderson rejected his claim the parking provisions for the Villa made it a 'white elephant' (audio file attached):

(Picture: The promenade footway in Douglas, from manxscenes.com).