WIDE-ranging cutbacks at the BBC will have only a "limited impact" on news programmes in the south, television bosses have claimed.

But the cuts will mean the end of a planned Dorset-wide BBC radio station.

The radical reforms at the corporation will see 2,500 jobs axed and a reduction in the number of programmes being made.

But it appears the 250 BBC South employees could emerge relatively unscathed. Just seven posts will be lost and these should be covered by staff turnover and redeployment.

A new BBC local radio service for Dorset has also been scrapped in the efficiency drive but a BBC spokesman said this plan was not at an advanced stage.

Mike Hapgood, head of south region, said: "The development of this plan has meant some tough choices for the BBC and there are challenges ahead, not least as we focus on the digital age and how the media and our audiences are transforming.

"However, we should be clear that the announcements will have limited impact on the south region. This highlights the BBC's strong commitment to regional news, politics, current affairs and other local content.

"The south is an efficient region. While we will be looking to lose around seven posts across the region we are confident that these can be covered through natural turnover of staff and redeployment.

"This includes the new 8pm television news bulletin and also our plans to develop our new online broadband multimedia interactive concept, subject to approvals."

On the abandoned plans for a Dorset radio station, BBC spokesman Helen Burt said: "The issue is simply one of prioritisation. Creating this service in the way we planned would have meant cutting something elsewhere."

She said the BBC did plan to develop its interactive broadband services for Dorset.