Today's "Talking Heads" program on Manx Radio featured MER Society Secretary Julian Nutter speaking in advance of next week's Tynwald vote asking for £1.3 million to repair the 1899 Ballure bridge.
Julian made the case that "Ballure Bridge is vital to the town of Ramsey"
"The MER is vital to the town of Ramsey, and is vital to the people who are trying to do small businesses there. It brings in tourists. People get on that tram in Douglas, and get off it with their tourist pound in Ramsey, and spend it in the shops."
"This has all happened before. Back in 1975 there was a proposal that was upheld to close the line to Ramsey.
"The consequences to the town were immense."
Mr Gawne says if the work isn't done over winter, the trams won't be able to run into Ramsey next season and it would be effectively mothballing all the millions of pounds which have been invested in the tram tracks in recent years.
Mr Nutter says government funding for the trams has been better targeted in recent years and it's essential for the MER and Ramsey itself that the bridge is kept open.
Listen to a clip on Manx Radio's website HERE.
