HUNDREDS of listeners are calling on Radio Solent bosses for a U-turn after axing a well-loved producer.

Fans of Geoff McQueen have delivered a petition, signed by more than 300 people, demanding they keep him at the station.

They are mystified why bosses have not renewed his contract at the BBC station based in Southampton The petition was masterminded by fan Linn Gell, 53 from Lee-on-the-Solent, who believes that the decision shows that the bosses of the station are out of touch.

“They just aren’t listening to their listeners, even professional people in the business feel the same way,” she said. Mrs Gell praised the “special contribution” that Mr McQueen has made to the Sally Taylor and Paul Miller shows in his two years at the station.

She said: “When you call into the show he makes you feel very at ease, and the repartee between him and presenter Paul is absolutely superb. He has a great sense of humour and it has such a different feel when he is involved in it.”

His shows have proved so popular that fans from the UK and the US have formed an online group devoted to the Paul Miller show.

“A group of us have really made friends through it,” said Mrs Gell.

The petition – delivered to Radio Solent – was met with a muted response.

In response to the petition a BBC spokeswoman said: “We never discuss staffing matters so can't comment.”