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Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has defended the future of Â鶹ԼÅÄ local radio, saying it is "unbelievably important".

Speaking on Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio Sheffield, Mr Clegg was responding to reports that local radio programming could be cut back as part of the Â鶹ԼÅÄ's cost-saving.

"There's something authentic and real about local radio and that's something we should do everything to try and protect," he said.

A Â鶹ԼÅÄ spokesman said that "no decisions have been made".

reported that plans to cut local programming with the exception of breakfast and drive time shows were being proposed as part of the Â鶹ԼÅÄ's Delivering Quality First review.

It has been tasked with finding savings following the six-year licence fee freeze.

The National Union of Journalists says the plans could lead to the loss of 700 jobs and the closure of some stations.

Shadow culture secretary Ivan Lewis has requested a meeting with Â鶹ԼÅÄ bosses to explore alternative cost-cutting options.

A Â鶹ԼÅÄ spokesman said: "No decisions have been made so it would be wrong to speculate.

"The Delivering Quality First sessions are designed to provoke discussion amongst staff about the way the Â鶹ԼÅÄ works and any decisions coming out of the process would be subject to approval by the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Trust."