Douglas Borough Council has spoken out against proposed moves by ITV to close their Border regional news service and merge it with the Tyne Tees region.

Council Leader David Christian says the matter was brought to the attention of the policy and resources committee some weeks ago, and it has now moved to vigorously contest any such move

Councillor Christian says the committee views the closing of Border's regional news section as a retrograde step that can only lead to reduced or even loss of coverage of events on the Island.

It believes Border News has provided valuable coverage of Manx events over the years, and aligning it with the North East of England would be "totally inappropriate" and could "seriously compromise the level of coverage that the Manx identity, culture and way of life receives in the north west region.

He goes on to say that if Border's regional news operation is to be discontinued, the committee would prefer the Island to be aligned with the Granada region, and he will be seeking the support of the council to make representation to that effect to the ITV broadcasting authorities.

He also hopes Tynwald supports a motion by MLC Juan Turner which also expresses concern at the proposed move.