The move is part of the BBC’s Network Supply Strategy, whereby the Corporation says it aims to produce half of all network TV production outside of London by 2016.

As a key campaigner to keep Casualty in Bristol, South West Screen is very disappointed by this decision. The move will be a huge loss for Bristol, as Casualty contributes £25m to the local economy annually, as well as providing a solid production infrastructure, which attracts other shows such as Mistresses, Skins and Lark Rise to Candleford to the region.

South West Screen and partners, the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and Bristol City Council, have worked closely with the BBC since the move was mooted in October last year. There has been huge public support for the campaign to retain the drama, and we have explored various options to keep Casualty in Bristol, including proposing two alternative production sites within the city.

Caroline Norbury, South West Screen’s Chief Executive, says:

“Whilst we are disappointed with today’s decision, we are now keen to work with the BBC on ensuring the future growth of drama production in the city and we are already in talks with the BBC on how we may best achieve this.”

Chris Garcia, Head of Clusters at the SWRDA says:

" This is the wrong decision for the BBC, the wrong decision for Casualty and the wrong decision for Bristol. We are obviously extremely disappointed by the decision to move Casualty to Cardiff . We have worked hard to avoid this move, but the BBC failed to properly recognise the important contribution the location and people of Bristol have made to the success of this very popular programme.



“We know that the news will be received with dismay by our partners and by the creative community in the region – particularly given the serious economic situation that has worsened significantly during the period of the review.



“The South West RDA will be working in partnership with the Screen Agency, the City Council and BBC Bristol to find ways to mitigate against the worst impacts of the decision.”