Regarding the proposed cuts to local radio, in the summer of 2007 my husband and I were travelling from Lancashire to Somerset and got caught up in the disastrous floods that affected Gloucestershire particularly (BBC local radio is a lifeline for millions of listeners – we can’t afford to cut it, 14 November). As darkness fell, we were gridlocked near Gloucester in rising water. We tuned into BBC Radio Gloucester, where a friendly local DJ who knew the area well provided reassurance and advice for what turned out to be several frightening hours.
At one point he told us that he was due to go off air, but because of the floods he wouldn’t be able to get home and so had decided to stay on air and keep us company. He provided updates about the situation in villages and diversions as a result of phone calls from regular listeners.
This is just one small example of the power of local radio that has remained with me and for which I shall always be grateful.
Ruth Cartlidge
Okehampton, Devon
• Local radio literally gives individuals and community groups a voice. On BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Peterborough Civic Society has been able to express opinions about planning matters, challenge local politicians over controversial decisions and, most recently, take listeners on an aural tour of our city centre. Cutting this service will contribute to the ever-widening gap between the public and local decision-makers. Perhaps that’s exactly what the government wants to achieve.
Toby Wood
Vice-chair, Peterborough Civic Society
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