BBC RADIO LEICESTER

That this House celebrates the work of BBC Radio Leicester, the UK's first local radio station, in serving the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland; recognises that 172,000 people tune into it each week; values its unique role in covering events in city and county, including the upcoming Leicester Mayor debate, which is a vital aspect of local democracy; notes that following the recent merger of Leicester Sound it is now the only station for Leicester and Leicestershire and the only regional journalism based station; appreciates its role in providing specific programming for Leicester's Black and Asian residents and in starting the Asian Network; is concerned that the BBC is considering reducing local radio output; believes that this would be a huge disservice to Leicester's communities; and calls on the BBC to maintain the current level of output from Radio Leicester.