It has been announced that 39 Sunday afternoon music shows on BBC local radio stations will end to make way for a new national programme across England. The new show, The Make a Difference Show,will launch on Sunday, September 14, from 2pm to 6 pm. However, the programme's presenter has yet to be announced.

John Leech's Soul Show, which aired across BBC Eastern stations, is one of the shows which will no longer be played. He branded the move to end long-running regional shows for a national programme "puzzling" and feared it could reduce engagement. Other programmes ending include Steve Yabsley's show and Simon Logan's 1980s and 1990s show on BBC Radio Newcastle and Tees.

Simon gave an emotional speech during his final show last weekend, where he said: "What is it they always say, all great things must come to an end. Whether you've ever got in touch with the show or whether you have just listened to our show, thanks to everybody on our Facebook group, thanks to Nathan for 'putting it on the list'. "

BBC Merseyside and BBC Cumbria's 80s and 90s show, hosted by Lisa Marrey, also ended the same Sunday.

Raging fans have taken to social media to lash out over the huge changes, with one writing: "Last week, when John Leech's Soul show finished on BBC Eastern Counties, it was the final nail in the coffin for me. The big switch off and find another decent specialist show on the dial. Other local community stations, it's your time to shine now. Marc In Bletchley is a massive radio listener."

Another added, "Instead of wasting money on Radio 1 Dance, Anthems, and Radio 3 Unwind, they should put money back into LOCAL Radio. Stations should have at least 12 hours a day of local programming!"

A third said, "We have BBC radios 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 that are all national. Why do we need even more national output? The BBC is slowly demoting local radio."

The BBC has been contacted for comment by Express.co.uk.