REGARDING the recent resignation of Nisar Patel as a freelance presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire, for some months, the Asian community has been disappointed at the station's lack of decent programmes.

When I raised some of my concerns last year, I was told that it would take some time for the presenters to improve. Over 12 months later, there has been little change.

Only one presenter remained popular throughout this time - until he announced his shock resignation on March 31.

For the uninitiated, he was Mr Radio each Sunday evening. He was to the Asian programme what Bob Roberts was to the rest of Lancashire audience.

Even though his programme went out at an unreasonable time (10pm-midnight), he was extremely popular because it really did feel that he was in your living room.

His programme was entertainment for all ages, judging by his popularity in our family. He could 'talk' to any age group.

He had his own sense of humour (he supported Blackburn Rovers), and we also miss his laughter, his chats and his unique feature in which he searched for his 'dream girl' using popular Asian music. The BBC management has in the past defended sub-standard Asian presenters, saying they are new and it would take some time to see improvements. That has still not happened.

Asian listeners deserve good quality programmes and decent presenters, and I would publicly ask station manager Steve Taylor and the BBC to return Nisar Patel to the airwaves. Otherwise, BBC Radio Lancashire will remain a big turn-off for the Asian community.

A KASSIM, Holmelodge, Ribble Heights, Preston.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.