Widely discussed proposals that the BBC is considering reducing its local radio output to two shows a day – breakfast and drive time - have been described by the CLA in the North as a potentially serious setback to communications in the countryside.

The Association believes that for many people in rural areas BBC local radio can be a lifeline, as well as a source of information and entertainment that commercial radio or networked national content would struggle to fill.

Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North, said: “If the proposals as reported were to go ahead, there would be a huge danger that many people, often the more isolated, would lose their information source. Countywide stations such as Cumbria and Lancashire are the first port of call for many during an emergency, for local news, weather and traffic news, and they fulfil this role well. Many in rural areas cannot depend on a reliable internet connection, and of course in times of crisis with no power radio is often the only medium still working, in cars, tractors or via battery or clockwork models.

“The best recognised example in our region would be BBC Radio Cumbria, which has shown its worth during floods, foot and mouth and major incidents, with listeners being able to get updates as and when they happened. Crises do not happen at convenient times, and radio can often be the only source of current information. During our last two hard winters, constantly updated bulletins on school closures have prevented many unnecessary and unsafe journeys.

“The media is already in a state of flux, with local papers closing, TV news being centralised and local news becoming increasingly urban-centric. So much for localism, and meeting local needs as and when they occur, often at very short notice. I cannot imagine Gabby Logan doing “Lamb Bank”.

“The BBC has said that this is only an idea, but perhaps if we all shout loud enough our voice will be heard and we can convince the decision makers of local radio’s distinctive value. We cannot tell the BBC where they should make their cuts, but we can make sure that they make informed decisions, and realise the importance of their various services..

“Many people depend on BBC local radio every day, for information, entertainment and company. Isolation can be caused by many reasons – geography, age, disability, and local radio enables everyone to still feel part of their local community. Even those who are not regular listeners will turn to it, for specific programmes such as sport or whenever they want to know not just what’s happening in their locality, but what the implications are.

“There is not even a public consultation yet, but let’s take every opportunity to make local views known.”