ANYONE who reads the Star and are listeners to "Radio Merseyside" will be sorry to hear about the plans the BBC have for the station, due to proposed "cuts" in their budget.

Long-time favourite presenters such as Roger Lyon, Frankie Connor, Spencer Leigh, Kenny Johnson and Billy Maher could find themselves "surplus to requirements" after Christmas and their shows axed as a consequence.

They have given many years of faithful service to the station and they deserve to stay by merit.

Billy Butler and Linda McDermott could also be "at risk" - although it is hoped they may take over the regional programmes.

The BBC management has proposed that on weekday afternoons most local stations would share programming with their neighbouring stations, although a few, which serve a particularly distinct audience would remain separate.

On weekday evenings between 7.00 - 10.00 p.m. programming would be shared across England, with all stations coming together except when providing local sports commentaries. All stations would broadcast Radio 5 Live from 1.00 a.m. until the start of their breakfast programme.

I would urge anyone who does not like or want this turn of events should write to "Local Radio Review, BBC Trust, 180 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5QZ voicing their concerns.

To request an audio or Braille version, please call 0800 068 0116 or Textphone 08000 153 350 or via the Internet on www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust.

If you, like me, prefer local radio to stay just that - LOCAL - with local presenters and programmes, your views have to be made known to the BBC Trust by 21 December 2011.

R. Leyland, Bishop Road, St Helens