I READ a letter in the Guardian from Richard Buttery regarding Cllr Mike Hannon’s association with Radio Warrington and a council meeting when the Liberal Democrats tabled a motion that the council should call for the launch of a BBC Cheshire.

I was not at the meeting but I do remember Cllr Hannon asking me for my views on the motion.

Although I would agree that a BBC Radio Cheshire would be a great asset for the whole county, the BBC have for many years indicated that they have no appetite to deliver such a service.

Furthermore Ofcom have clearly stated that there is no room for any more radio stations on the FM band in this part of the country.

Therefore it is my view that a motion calling for the BBC to launch a BBC Radio Cheshire although well-meaning is a nonstarter.

Cllr Hannon is fully aware of this because Warrington Borough Council have supported Radio Warrington as we have broadcast our service on the internet for more than eight years.

A community radio station cannot function without the help and support of the council.

When we successfully applied for an AM community radio licence in 2013 we asked Mike to be our chairman because he has seen how hard we have worked.

It is important to stress that his involvement is not remunerated in any way and he receives no benefit from his position as chairman.

He simply shares our vision that Warrington deserves its own radio station and I have extensively explained to Mr Buttery by email.

Most of the councillors at that meeting would know that Radio Warrington is a not-for-profit company run and staffed by dedicated unpaid volunteers for the benefit of our community.

It has taken us more than eight years and we have to overcome some technical hurdles but we will be launching our service on the AM band shortly.

STEVE LEWIS
Radio Warrington

 

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