Traders in Ramsey have responded positively to an offer from the Tourism Minister to discuss how the town can compensate for the loss of the Manx Electric Railway.

There's growing concern about how visitors can be attracted to Ramsey this summer - after the decision to suspend MER services north of Laxey, on safety grounds.

Some alternative ideas are beginning to emerge - and Ramsey's Chamber of Trade and local Commissioners will meet the minister to discuss them on Monday.

Graham Bell has more (audio file attached) :

News of the closure of the Laxey to Ramsey section of the historic railway came as a bombshell to the community - particularly Ramsey's retailers.

The issue dominated the agenda at the Chamber of Trade's recent meeting - chairman Chris Blatcher said they were very disappointed.

But he's encouraged that Tourism Minister Adrian Earshaw has declared his intention to support Ramswey and the north.

Vintage buses could be used to transport visitors to Ramsey - and there are other initiaitives including exhibitions and the promotion of specific events, to draw new business to the town.

The Ramsey chamber and commissioners, the minister and DTL chief executive Carol Glover are due to put their heads together on all this tomorrow (Monday).