A call for answers has been made in the wake of the axing at the weekend of a popular local radio Welsh language sports programme that had run for the best part of two decades.

O’r Maes was launched on Radio Ceredigion in December 1992 and proved hugely popular with listeners.

The radio station owned by Tindle Newspapers was taken over last month by Town and Country Broadcasting Limited that owns radio stations across Wales, including Radio Pembrokeshire and Radio Carmarthenshire.

As from Monday the station ceased broadcasting from Aberystwyth and moved operations to Narberth.

Friends of Radio Ceredigion chairman Geraint Davies of Aberaeron, who presented in excess of 600 O’r Maes programmes over more than 18 years, expressed disappointment over the development.

“I feel very sad for the whole county of Ceredigion and beyond,” he said.

“The programme provided a comprehensive service over the years and I know it was fully appreciated by listeners in Ceredigion Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire and especially by sports clubs and sportsmen and women.

“I have written to the company requesting assurances and answers, but have not had a reply. This is a very sad time for sports broadcasting in the Welsh language in Ceredigion,” he said.

Town and Country Broadcasting Limited was asked to comment but at the time of going to press there had been no response.