BBC DRAMA VILLAGE “TURNS INTO FARCE”

17-01-2008

Secret BBC plans to close the Drama Village at Selly Oak in Birmingham have been condemned by Black Country MP Tom Watson. He’s promised that his colleagues in Westminster will back a campaign to reverse the decision.

The Stirrer revealed yesterday that the Corporation’s move to Manchester is likely to see the transfer of “Doctors”, the last remaining series produced here. As a result, up to 60 jobs in Brum are in jeopardy.

Radio 2 also announced plans to quit the Mailbox recently, and last year Radio Five Live axed the two weekend programmes it made in the city.

Watson said, “this so called Drama Village is turning into a farce. It takes the BBC away from its commitment to develop cultural content in the West Midlands.

“This will be or great concern to all MPs of all parties in the region.

“I’m absolutely certain that we’ll want to ask strong questions of BBC management about what’s going on.”

(Also see BBC Drama Faces Final Curtain link here)