Questions are being raised over why part of the Southlands care home in Port Erin remains closed - despite a demand for places.

The three MHKs for Rushen have made a joint approach to the Social Care Minister Martyn Quayle on behalf of constituents, whose families say need residential care.

Phil Gawne, Juan Watterson and Quintin Gill have asked when funds will be availabe to utilise a section of the home which has lain dormant since Southlands was opened by the Queen in 2003.

The Minister has told them he'll outline the options 'before the end of the year'.

Mr Gill says it's a long running and very frustrating problem: