Plans to move two schools onto one site in Douglas received two formal objections.

That's the message from the Department of Education, Sport and Culture which says it will push for approval for the idea in Tynwald next month.

If successful it will see St Thomas' Church of England Primary School move to the Scoill Vallajeelt site at the beginning of the 2018/2019 academic year.

Under the plans both schools would remain separate – with their own names, identities, headteachers, teachers and governors.

The two objects raised concerns about separation of those with religious beliefs, to loss of an inclusive school environment, traffic concerns and the costs of relocation.

Minister Graham Cregeen says: "Co-location at the Scoill Vallajeelt site makes use of an existing, relatively new but underutilised school, enabling us to provide a modern and appropriate learning environment for pupils at St Thomas' Primary School, which is simply no longer fit-for-purpose.

"This means better educational facilities for pupils and represents value for money for the taxpayer."