Rider facilities 'to be improved'

Riders in the Manx Grand Prix and TT use the paddock

Riders competing in next year's Isle of Man TT races and Manx Grand Prix events will benefit from improved facilities, it has been announced.

The chairman of Douglas Corporation's Leisure Services Committee, Stephen Pitts, has promised to improve the Grandstand paddock by next year.

He said complaints about the small number of showers and a lack of hot water in the ladies were justified.

He said he hopes the facilities do not put people off competing.

"I'm sure we can work with the DTL [Department of Tourism and Leisure] and the Manx Motorcycle Club and between us we can get some more showers, or get some temporary ones put up during the race periods," he said.

"The mud and the rain doesn't help people, and it must be very frustrating for them when they want to get a hot shower, so we hope to sort that out for next year."