BBC LOCAL RADIO

That this House recognises the valuable work of BBC Radio Gloucestershire and other BBC local radio stations in providing high quality, informative and entertaining broadcasting for people in their local areas; particularly praises BBC Radio Gloucestershire for its role during last July's flooding in the county, when it provided an invaluable public service, informing residents about the extent and dangers of flooding, sources of help and information about loss of mains water supply and how to find alternative sources of water, as well as offering vital public health and emergency advice; welcomes the acknowledgement of the `pivotal role of the media, particularly local radio' in the Interim Report of the Pitt Review looking into the 2007 floods; recognises the critical importance of local knowledge amongst reporters and other staff; is concerned that such local radio services could be seriously affected by the BBC cuts announced last October; and calls on the BBC management to recognise the importance and value of BBC local radio and protect it from cutbacks that could threaten its public service role.