POLL: Should the BBC's recipe archive be saved?

The BBC is to close its food website as part of plans to save £15 million - but do you think this is a good idea?

Around 11,000 recipes will be lost under the review of online services, which head of news and current affairs James Harding will brief staff about on Tuesday. Recipes from TV programmes will remain online for 30 days.

Further areas expected to be discussed by Mr Harding include the magazine section of the BBC News website and the BBC News channel.

The news magazine, launched in 2003, includes a range of more in-depth articles and has been singled out by some politicians and national newspapers as an example of the BBC going beyond its remit.

The BBC said online services had to be 'high-quality, distinctive and offer genuine public value'.

The corporation, in a statement, said: "While our audiences expect us to be online, we have never sought to be all things to all people and the changes being announced will ensure that we are not."

An online petition to save the BBC's recipe archive has attracted more than 170,000 supporters. Numbers have been rapidly rising with campaigners calling the recipes a 'precious resource'.

Campaign leaders state: "The database provides inspiration for those with a few ingredients to come up with meal ideas and cook from scratch.

"When the Government is trying to promote healthy eating, surely it is madness to remove such a comprehensive archive. It has taken years to create, not to mention time and money."

The plans are not thought to involve services run by BBC Worldwide, the corporation's commercial arm, including BBC Good Food. The good food section charges for some recipes and is not paid for through the licence fee.

The announcement follows the publication of a government White Paper on the future of the BBC, which sets out a long-term plan for the corporation, including maintaining the licence fee.

Anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe announced plans earlier this month to publish her recipes from the website on a blog, www.cookingonabootstrap.com, so they would remain free to the public.

She said: "I learned to cook on the dole using free recipes online and for the BBC to reduce this vital service is an abomination."