BBC Radio Shropshire to lose fewer jobs in cutbacks

Cuts at BBC Radio Shropshire will not be as savage as first feared, bosses revealed today. The news comes after the station added 7,000 listeners in the last three months.

Under the BBC's controversial 'Delivering Quality First' re-structuring plans, staffing levels at the station will be reduced by 11 per cent, meaning four jobs will be axed by 2013.

It had previously been feared cuts of 20 per cent would be needed.

Colin Young's lunchtime show, which had been due to be replaced by a shared show across the five West Midlands local stations, has been saved.

Specialist week-night shows could now be moved to the weekend because a shared national show will run from 7-10pm during the week.

The announcement comes after the station recorded its best set of audience figures in almost three years. Figures showed that 7,000 listeners have been added in the last three months.

Station editor Tim Beech said: "We're grateful for the support from so many local people during the DQF consultation. It clearly made a significant difference and, although we face some challenges with the loss of some programmes and staff, our priority will be to minimise any impact on listeners, and to make sure Shropshire continues to get the local radio service it deserves."