A radio DJ is leading a campaign for a local community radio station to broadcast in the town.

Paul Le Feuvre and a group of enthusiasts have resurrected the Wey Valley Community Radio Association (WVCRA) and are in the throes of applying to Ofcom for a licence to run the station.

Paul is keen to recruit more support as well as potential broadcasters and a public meeting is to be held on Thursday, October 30 at 8pm in The Crown Hotel to which everyone is welcome.

The working title for the station is Radio Alton, and Paul says it will be similar to Radio Cracker, which broadcast about 18 years ago from The Herald offices.

Broadcasting from one of three possible town centre sites, the FM station will have a range of about two-and-a-half miles, and will cater for a target audience of over-55s.

Angel Radio, a successful community radio station in Havant, which has been shortlisted for a Hantsweb award this year, and is run by and for the over-60s, is giving advice to WVCRA.

Paul said: "This is the last round of licences available so we have only got this chance to do it. It will be non-profit making and will have no paid staff. It's a station by the people, for the people.

"There is nothing like it in the area. It will cover everything, it's not just music all the time, and hopefully, it will broadcast 24 hours a day.

"There is nothing for older people, it's a terrific gap and it will be incredible for the community. In France, there are a lot of community radio stations and I have seen how they work out there."

The largest expense is getting the station up and running, but as most of the equipment and a transmitter is already available, the WVCRA is hoping that running costs will be minimal, particularly since there will be no salaries.

Paul is not contemplating the application failing, but a contingency plan is already being drawn up which would enable twice-yearly broadcasts lasting 28 days, perhaps over Christmas or Easter, under a restricted service licence.

If all goes according to plan, Radio Alton will be on air next year.

For more information or to offer help, contact Paul at [email protected]">[email protected].