THE leader of Cumbria County Council has said he is 'dismayed' by the scheduled cuts to BBC local radio.

Plans confirmed by the broadcaster on Monday will see job losses and a significant reduction in local news coverage.

Cllr Stewart Young said: “BBC Radio Cumbria has been the voice of the county for 50 years, covering all sorts of events, featuring thousands of local people telling Cumbria’s story.

"They are the ‘go-to’ source of information for local people when we have emergencies in the county. And, of course, they hold councils like us to account as well.

“Slashing BBC Radio Cumbria’s local coverage would be a massive blow.

“I will be writing to the secretary of state, Michelle Donelan, to express my strong opposition to these plans.

"I will also be asking her to compensate the BBC for the two-year freeze in the licence fee introduced by Nadine Dorries in January, and to reverse the Government's decision to abolish the licence fee altogether in 2027.

“The BBC is an asset to the country and to the county. We need a strong local media that can cover the local stories that matter to people. These plans cut our local BBC in half and I believe must be challenged.”

Mike Zeller, BBC Radio Cumbria breakfast presenter, tweeted on Monday: "Tough day for everyone @BBC_Cumbria.

"Maybe give them a bit of love the next time you tune in to your local station, they'd appreciate it."