BBC local radio stations will have a significant number of programmes cut under new plans, the corporation has announced.

All 39 networks in England will keep their current schedule from 6am to 2pm, but after that shows will be shared.

There will be 10 local programmes between 6-10pm on weekdays, across the day on Saturday, as well as on Sunday mornings.

Live sports programming will not be affected.

There will be one "all-England" show from 10pm across the week, and on Sunday afternoons.

These changes will result in the closure of about 48 staff posts, after the BBC explained it wants to prioritise digital content.

Steve Knibbs, the Gloucestershire reporter for BBC Points West, tweeted: "This is a really tough day for my friends and colleagues in #BBCLocalRadio. I started my career on the radio @BBCGlos many years ago. We know that we have to do more online/digitally but many well-loved voices will disappear."

Replying to Steve Knibbs' tweet, Mel Nicholls wrote: "This should not be happening! Local radio is a lifeline for many, it is about connecting with people, feeling a belonging. BBC Glos is a community for the community. In today's isolated world people need this more than ever not less. The voices & talent team ARE BBC Glos."

Glos Community Foundation wrote: "This is the only radio station to listen to, @BBCGlos, one of the main ways to keep connected with #Gloucestershire communities, both entertaining & informative & a huge support in shining a light on what matters."

Punchline says: "This is bad news for democracy. The BBC does a fantastic job in the local area. We urge people to support it as much as possible. Who else is holding our politicians and community leaders to account?"

The BBC is creating 11 investigative reporting teams across the country, focusing on key local issues across TV, radio and online. It also said it would deliver "a wider range of local audio programming through BBC Sounds".

The most recent listening figures published show a slight change in recent audience numbers listening to local radio in England.

Rajar, the industry body, says 5.8m listened for at least five minutes in September 2022, compared with 5.6m in 2019 and 6.7m in 2012.

Earlier this year the BBC's director general Tim Davie warned services would need to be cut to make savings.

The licence fee was frozen for the next two years by the government in January.

The £159 a year sum from households pays for BBC services including TV, radio, the BBC website, podcasts, iPlayer and apps.