Just got a response from the Beeb, drivelling as usual:

Dear Mr Carter

Thanks for contacting us about 'Folkwaves'.

We raised your concerns with BBC East Midlands who reply:

"Thanks for contacting us about 'Folkwaves' on BBC Radio Derby.

"We know it is always very disappointing when a programme you enjoy comes to an end, but we can assure you we do not take such decisions lightly.

"We have been reviewing our evening schedule for some time, aware that society has changed considerably in the decades since some of these programmes began, and also aware of the changes that have taken place this year in local commercial radio.

"Although the specialist music programmes have been very popular with a loyal core of listeners, we feel that we now need to provide a programme that appeals to a wider number of licence fee payers in the East Midlands, especially as there are no longer any local or regional programmes available on commercial radio in the evenings. There are many more people available to listen to radio in the evening now, either because they're wanting something to listen to while using their computers, or because they are going to and from shift work, or just because the family don't all gather round to watch television together in the evening in the way they used to.

"We also need to consider that a programme should be able to respond to breaking news in our region or big events like the recent snow, which at the moment we are unable to do.

"Whilst we understand some of these current programmes have a large following around the world on the internet, our first responsibility has to be to the majority of licence fee payers in the East Midlands, and it is with them in mind that we are making this change."

We'd also like to assure you that we've registered your complaint on our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback that's circulated to many BBC staff, including members of the BBC Executive Board, channel controllers and other senior managers.

Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.

Kind Regards

BBC Audience Services