Following the proposal from Labour and Co-operative leader Cllr Vince Maple at the recent full council meeting, a cross-party letter regarding the potential cuts to the regional television and radio output by the BBC has been sent to BBC Director, Helen Thomas.

The Labour leader, in conjunction with Conservative Council leader Cllr Alan Jarrett wrote to the director of BBC England to urge the corporation to rethink proposals to cut regional television and radio output due to the vital role of broadcast services in the area.

The uncertain impact of the cuts to this service, which deliver media to almost 300,000 Medway residents, are yet to be fully estimated.

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of the Labour and Co-operative Group said that, “Following my request at full council, I’m pleased that the Leader of the council agreed to send a joint letter with me, regarding the proposed cuts to the BBC regional output.

“There’s absolutely no doubt that the BBC regional television and radio have done a phenomenal job throughout the CoVid-19 pandemic in communicating important public health messages, as well as giving a variety of local community projects and issues a vital platform.

“The potential cuts to our regional service must be urgently reconsidered to ensure Medway residents have continued good access to trusted, quality local BBC output.”

Read the full letter below.