It states the Department of Infrastructure is planning to start the second phase of roadworks on Glencrutchery Road in late 2015 - engineers have examined the scoreboard and concluded it is unfit to be re-erected.

The introduction to the petition compares losing the historic scoreboard to removing Ballaugh Bridge from the TT Course.

Over 500 have signed the petition since it was set up on Wednesday morning. - Sign Here

There is also a Facebook group page with nearly 700 likes.

A statement Manx Radio has received from the department says it is planning to refurbish Glencrutchery Road.

It goes on to say it is currently estimated that scheduled work will take place in 2017 or 2018, depending on the progress of any work on Douglas promenade.

The Glencrutchery Road scheme will include the requirement to dismantle the scoreboard while it is carried out.

DoI structural engineers have assessed it is likely the steel which supports the scoreboard will need to be replaced.

The Department of Economic Development understands the passions of the fans and of the importance of the history and heritage associated with the scoreboard.

No decisions have yet been made but these will be factors taken into account in any final decision.

The Department of Economic Development's Motorsport Team is currently reviewing all options including a manual scoreboard, a digital scoreboard or a combination of the two.




.

Changes possible to Grandstand scoreboard

The iconic T.T. Grandstand could be drastically altered after planned road-works on Glencrutchery Road.

They are not due to take place until either 2017 or 2018 but will lead to the scoreboard being dismantled.

Department of Infrastructure engineers have assessed the structure and say the steel supports will need to be replaced if it is merely rebuilt.

Political member of motorsport David Cretney says he is aware of an on-line petition to save the Grandstand scoreboard in it's traditional form.

Mr Cretney says he is a huge fan of the history of the T.T. but acknowledges the meeting is constantly looking to improve and modernise.

He says it's a difficult balancing act:-

In addition, Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson has expressed concern about the position of the scouts on the front of the Scoreboard.

A Health and Safety risk assessment has led to a working party to look into ways of mitigating the risk.

It may lead to a safety fence being in place by T.T. 2015.

Listen To Related Audio Clip


.