SWINDON Labour criticised the BBC's decision to cut the amount of regional programming it creates.

Former Labour Parliamentary candidate for South Swindon Sarah Church said: “It’s really disappointing that the BBC has decided to make cuts to its regional programming. Local and regional coverage has high viewing and listening figures – and has been vital during the Covid-19 crisis.

“Local media is under intense financial pressure and rather than retreating from regional coverage, the BBC should continue to invest in it.

“The south west is a huge region geographically and people deserve to hear about the issues that matter to them. Politics isn’t just something that happens in London.”

Leader of the Labour group in Swindon Borough Council, Coun Jim Grant, added: “BBC regional investigative journalism like Inside Out has been ground-breaking for the past 20 years. I think people want to see more of their representatives being held to account, not fewer.

“Local government is such a vital part of our political system, and has endured severe cuts to funding over the past decade. People deserve to hear about the key issues happening in their community. That can't be achieved at a national level. Local journalism is absolutely vital."