Campaign to save Nottingham studios garners support

More than five thousand people have signed a petition to try and save jobs at ITV in Nottingham.
A campaign headed by the NUJ is calling for Central News to be produced and presented in the region. ITV bosses plan to move the presentation of Central News to Birmingham.
NUJ Nottingham Branch Secretary Kevin Stanley, said: "This is not just about jobs, it's about providing a vital public service.
“In just four hours we collected more than a thousand signatures. The public support for keeping Central News in the East Midlands has been overwhelming. The vast majority of people agree that moving the programme to Birmingham would leave the region with an inferior news service."
A website has been launched where people can register their opposition. The site, www.notfrombrum.org.uk, contains facts and figures about Central News and suggests ways in which people can help the campaign.
In the coming days and weeks petitions are expected to be circulated to shops and pubs across the East Midlands. People can also print their own copy from the website.
Following last week's announcement that ITV was to close its studios at Lenton Lane in Nottingham, around 40 staff walked out in protest. BBC East Midlands Today led its evening news programme with the story, and ITV Central itself carried it second.
(GB)