Cuts to regional TV programming by the BBC in Cambridge are a mistake, says Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner, who is urging the broadcaster to think again.

In plans announced today, the BBC plans from November to end regional news broadcasting from Cambridge and merge the programme with output from Norwich.

Mr Zeichner has said this is a backward step and will not please viewers.

He said: “I understand the pressure that the BBC is under, but the essence of local news is that it is local, and this is a step backwards. Cambridge and the area surrounding is the fastest growing region in the country, with real interest in local stories. In Parliament, I and others are busy making the case for the East, and BBC News is one of the key building blocks giving people an understanding of the issues in our area – this retrograde step is bad for viewers, bad for the BBC, and bad for the region. It is a decision that should have been consulted on, and should be rethought.”