Programmes on BBC Radio Suffolk will merge with surrounding counties for most of the day as part of a new cost-cutting plan. 

The plans to overhaul local radio stations will see the BBC broadcasting fewer unique programmes to specific areas. 

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

It is understood that between 2pm and 6pm listeners in Suffolk will hear the same show as people listening to BBC Radio Cambridge, Three Counties Radio and Norfolk listeners. 

Then from 6pm on weekdays and for the weekend breakfast show Suffolk listeners will share a show with Essex, Cambridge, Three Counties Radio, Norfolk and Northants. 

While on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 2pm Suffolk will also share a show with Essex, Cambridge, Three Counties Radio, Norfolk and Northants.

From 10pm on weekdays and 2pm every Sunday all 39 local radio stations will share one nationwide feed, with presenters yet to be decided/announced. 

BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Mark Murphy described the changes as: "A very tough day for all my colleagues in BBC local radio."

Former presenter Lesley Dolphin commented on Twitter: "The saddest news. No digital output will replace the personal and human touch of local radio."

Plans confirmed by the broadcaster on Monday include the loss of 48 jobs across local staffing in England, amounting to a total reduction of 2%.

The proposals come as part of the BBC’s new strategy, announced in May, to create a “modern, digital-led” broadcaster.

Greater programme sharing will result in 139 fewer roles in audio teams, but there will be around 131 additional roles across local news services.

The changes will see around £19 million reprioritised from broadcast services towards online and multi-media production.

The BBC is also creating 11 investigative reporting teams across the country whose focus will be local issues across TV, radio and online.