Earlier this year the BBC announced plans to end the Cambridge-based version of the regional news programme BBC News Look East (West). From the autumn 2022, Bedford Borough residents’ will be receiving evening news programmes from Norwich or Southampton respectively, places hundreds of miles away with little to no relevance. This means our residents will now be receiving unrelated news that will have no impact on their daily lives.

Cllr Tom Wootton (Mayoral Candidate) commented, “I am a firm believer in strong, credible, trustworthy news and the work these journalists do to hold elected officials to account while providing credible information.

Good local news has the power to foster healthy debate and connect communities – with its importance being demonstrated during the pandemic

Local services were proved to be vital when providing public safety information to a large number of people as efficiently as possible

I understand the pressure that the BBC is under but this is a decision that should consulted on, and should be scrapped as it represents a step back for our region.’

To support the petition, please follow the link here: Petition · Save BBC Look East and BBC Oxford Local News · Change.org