Government will not provide pitches for catering on the Loch Promenade on Douglas walkway this TT, MHKs were told.

In the House of Keys, Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly was asked by John Houghton (Douglas North) whether his department will rent out pitches on Loch Promenade walkway for TT 2015.

Mr Skelly replied that although the walkway is owned by the Department of Infrastructure, the DED leases part of it during TT.

He said his department had considered providing pitches for catering and a beer tent ahead of both TT 2014 and this year’s TT but in each case had decided not to.

Mr Skelly explained it potentially hit rate-paying catering outlets in Douglas - and in previous years the cost of cleaning the walkway afterwards was greater than the revenue received.

Asked how much it cost to clean-up, he replied it was ‘substantial’, adding that when the department decided to remove the stunt show and catering it had saved the taxpayer in the region of £200,000.

He said not setting aside the area for catering meant it could be offered to the funfair, allowing larger traditional rides such as dodgems and waltzers.