I agree wholeheartedly with what Shaun has said. I know many people who have become involved with the TT in one form or another, simply because they were taken as children to experience it. Early morning practices, at the Grandstand, the opportunity to get some autographs and talk to the riders was a huge highlight of my childhood.

It is a real shame that charitable organisations such as the Joey Dunlop fund and the Hailwood foundation are losing out too.

I'm sure Mr Henry Bloom Noble wouldn't be too happy to see ratepayers being made to pay twice (in effect) to use a so-called public facility.

And you'd at least think they'd get the spelling right on the notices informing you of the charges. But no, that would be too easy.