RADIO Warrington is receiving a new transmitter at its Sankey site to help it achieve a greater audience reach.

The community station, set up in 2007 and ran by unpaid volunteers to provide opportunities for people looking to get involved in radio, will soon be able to achieve a stronger signal on its 1332AM medium wave frequency to allow more people to listen to its programming.

The custom-made transmitter is to be funded by donations from businesses and membership subscriptions at the station, and was approved planning permission in October.

It will be built on land previously owned by United Utilities in Great Sankey.

Steve Lewis, the station manager, said: “We campaigned for many years for an FM frequency but Ofcom advised us that there was not enough room on the band and AM was our only option.

“AM is much more difficult and expensive but with some help from businesses such as United Utilities and Warrington Market we were able to get on the airwaves.

“We were struggling to find a suitable piece of land close to the centre of town for our transmitter site but United Utilities came to the rescue and provided an ideal location.

“By improving our signal, we can reach more people in our community.”

Radio Warrington received approval for its AM broadcasting licence in July 2014, becoming accessible for audiences in May 2016.

The station broadcasts 24 hours a day from two studios in Warrington Indoor Market and consists of around 20 presenters who all pay a monthly £5 subscription fee.

Its output focuses on news, history and upcoming events in the town, also promoting the work of 400 charities and offering a musical platform for young artists.

  •  For more information about the station or how to get involved, you can email manager@radiowarrington.co.uk or call 01925 555 110.