The Chief Minister is being asked to intervene and prevent the Department of Education from closing the children's nursery facility at the Isle of Man College.

The Isle of Man Trades Council has written to Tony Brown, telling him the move seems to be in conflict with the government's commitment to nursery education.

It also claims it doesn't meet long established consultation criteria.

The council is asking Mr Brown to put a moratorium on the closure, until there has been adequate consultation with all interested stakeholders.

It says this would also enable the Council of Ministers to determine whether the closure would be at odds with a general government commitment to nursery education, in successive policy documents.

If the closure goes ahead four full-time and two part-time members of staff would be affected, although it's hoped they could be offered alternative employment within the college.