A RADIO station which transmits across south west Scotland and parts of north Cumbria is to close its studios.

The changes at West Sound, based in Dumfries, were announced by owners Bauer Radio earlier this week.

Bauer, who also own Carlisle-based station CFM, say the Scottish station's local breakfast and drivetime shows will be axed next month, and will be replaced with new shows broadcast from Glasgow, nearly 90 miles away.

The rest of the programmes on the station are currently broadcast from network hubs based in Glasgow and Manchester.

A spokesman from Bauer told the News & Star: "From September 2, West Sound in Dumfries and Galloway will hear the breakfast show from award-winning presenter Ewan Cameron and an extended home time show from Gina McKie.

"As broadcast output moves from Dumfries, having a studio there is no longer required and will be closed.

"The studio and office at Loreburne Shopping Centre in Dumfries will be handed back to the landlord."

Despite the upcoming show changes, the spokesman added that West Sound will still retain a local team, with both a sales and news presence covering the area.

West Sound, like CFM in Carlisle, forms part of Bauer's Hits Radio Network of stations across England and Scotland.

Gary Stein, group programme director for the Hits Radio Brand Networks added: “We’re excited to bring these highly acclaimed shows to Dumfries.

“Delivering compelling content is our priority and this means that West Sound listeners in the area can now enjoy programming which includes the multi award-winning Ewen Cameron’s Breakfast Show, all coupled with the local news, traffic and travel and other local information important to them.”