Sir Edward Leigh, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Gainsborough, has written to the Director General of the BBC to protest the proposed cuts to the broadcaster's local radio programming.

"BBC Radio Lincolnshire has for many years been a vital resource for the community," the West Lindsey MP told Director General Tim Davie CBE. "It is an important provider of local news and plays a key role in underpinning local democracy."

Sir Edward pointed out that the proposal for shared regional programming and moving journalists to regional hubs "will inevitably dilute the station's local identity and have a negative effect upon its ability to adequately cover local issues".

"In times of emergency, BBC Radio Lincolnshire has provided a particularly important role," the MP continued. "Its coverage of severe weather events, flooding, and the Covid-19 pandemic have all proven to be of significant value to the local community."

Sir Edward wrote that "as someone who values the professionalism and public service of BBC Radio Lincolnshire" he urged the BBC's Director General to reconsider these proposals "before this treasured resource is irreparably damaged".