Protect BBC Radio Shropshire!

Local Liberal Democrats have today launched a petition asking the government to step in over cuts to BBC Radio Shropshire. Recently announced proposals would see the afternoon slot reduced by four hours, with job losses and a hollowed-out service across the station.

Councillor Alex Wagner said: “It is hard for people who’ve always lived in cities to understand how important local radio and news is. There are a multitude of reasons why cuts to BBC Radio Shropshire have to be fought tooth and nail.

For rural parts of the county, BBC Radio Shropshire provides a lifeline service during flooding, snow, and stormy weather. In areas where broadband and mobile service is poor, local radio can be relied upon to convey important information about schoolclosures and road issues.

I grew up in Maesbrook and Kinnerley, an area that floods most years - people relied
on the regular local service during high water.  Publicly available data backs up our argument here. BBC Radio Shropshire is the most-listened to mainland radio station in the country, with an incredibly far-ranging reach across the county.

We’re petitioning to ask the government to step-in over cuts to local radio, and to show
in particular that Shropshire just won’t stand for it.”

You can sign the Lib Dem petition here.