Community radio station needs a base (From Messenger Newspapers)

Community radio station needs a base

2:52pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News By Rick Bowen

NORTH Cheshire Radio, a community station for Trafford, needs a new home to begin broadcasting.

The team behind the project had built a studio at its former base but was forced to unplug its plans after it had to vacate the premises.

Mark Samaru, a director for NCR said the station has the equipment to start broadcasting online in less than a month.

This will give a major boost to North Cheshire Radio chance of receiving a licence.

Mark said: “It shows that we’re credible and it shows we’ve got volunteers who will help to make it work. We just need to build a studio which isn’t a huge space and then have a bit of space for training and staff.

“Ideally it’s got to be somewhere that fits well with the notion of having a radio station that’s interested in the community. Not necessarily on the high street – we’re just looking for somewhere people can gain access to 24/7.”

North Cheshire Radio was forced to leave its former home after the company based in the building was also told to move out.

Pete Brettle, also a director for NCR said it’s ‘target area’ would be most of Trafford, including Sale, Altrincham, Stretford and Urmston.

Mark said Trafford would benefit from ‘massively’ from the introduction of a community radio station.

He said: “It’s a voice for the area and a voice for what’s going on in the area.”

North Cheshire Radio will also cover parts of Cheshire and a ruling by the broadcasting regular Ofcom dictates NCR’s new home must be within its target broadcast area.

* Anyone who can help North Cheshire Radio find a new base should email office@northcheshireradio.com