BBC radio soap Silver Street has been axed by the corporation after five years on the air.
The series, which is broadcast daily on the BBC Asian Network, will go out for the final time in March 2010. Bosses have decided to replace the programme with a new run of half-hour plays which will air on a monthly basis.
Announcing the news, head of BBC radio drama Alison Hindell said: "The new strand will cover a broad selection of stories and styles designed to deliver the development of new talent, both on and off air."
Meanwhile, BBC Asian Network controller Andy Parfitt commented: "Silver Street has played an important role establishing the Asian Network as a national station. The production team, writers and cast can be proud of what they've achieved.
"However, as with all long-running series, it's important to assess their value and impact for the investment made and we've decided that there is a better way to deliver drama to our audiences."
The BBC's move has already been criticised by the Writer's Guild of Great Britain, Broadcast reports. Representative David Edgar argued that the axing "would represent a loss of opportunity for talented writers from many backgrounds".
He added: "New half-hour drama is a highly welcome idea, but it should be in addition to rather than instead of Silver Street."
The series, which is broadcast daily on the BBC Asian Network, will go out for the final time in March 2010. Bosses have decided to replace the programme with a new run of half-hour plays which will air on a monthly basis.
Announcing the news, head of BBC radio drama Alison Hindell said: "The new strand will cover a broad selection of stories and styles designed to deliver the development of new talent, both on and off air."
Meanwhile, BBC Asian Network controller Andy Parfitt commented: "Silver Street has played an important role establishing the Asian Network as a national station. The production team, writers and cast can be proud of what they've achieved.
"However, as with all long-running series, it's important to assess their value and impact for the investment made and we've decided that there is a better way to deliver drama to our audiences."
The BBC's move has already been criticised by the Writer's Guild of Great Britain, Broadcast reports. Representative David Edgar argued that the axing "would represent a loss of opportunity for talented writers from many backgrounds".
He added: "New half-hour drama is a highly welcome idea, but it should be in addition to rather than instead of Silver Street."
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