ABINGDON will continue to play a key role when a new Thames Valley News replaces Central South Television at the end of the year.

But jobs will be lost and that has angered staff and unions.

In a nationwide shake-up of ITV regional television, Central South will disappear from screens after 17 years. Abingdon will become the core editorial base and main news gathering operation. The flagship early evening programme and news bulletins will be presented from studios at Whiteley, near Southampton.

The new-look region, stretching from Winchester in the south to Banbury in the north and from Swindon to Bracknell, will lead to the loss of 40 jobs in editorial and production areas at Abingdon and the Meridian news centre in Newbury. In the new Abingdon centre, there will be 35 posts, editors, reporters, broadcast journalists, picture staff and technicians. ITV says it will be working closely with the unions and staff on how the changes will be introduced.

The managing director of Central South, Ian Squires, said: "We will be going through a consultation process with staff and unions about all jobs for the new service. Posts will be advertised."

Asked about the main anchorman for Central South, Wesley Smith 17 years at Abingdon and the longest serving regional presenter Mr Squires would not be drawn. He said: "Wesley is well known and respected by viewers. We have a lot of talented people in our teams. It would be wrong of me to comment on individuals at this stage of the proceedings."

Mr Squires said the old boundaries did not have much relevance for viewers, who thought it a bit odd to have news stretching from Ross-on-Wye to Milton Keynes. He said the new Thames Valley News would be an improvement and more relevant, broadcasting to a more coherent region.

But staff do not share Mr Squires' optimism. One journalist at Abingdon, who did not want to be identified, said: "Staff are very disappointed and shocked at the announcement. We knew something was in the offing but it still comes as a blow."