A NEW community radio station for Melksham has been awarded a licence by the broadcasting industry regulator OFCOM.

Radio Melksham plans to bring a new era of communication to Melksham and the surrounding villages to help forge links within the neighbourhood.

Phil Dawson, director of Radio Melksham, said: "We intend to bring a first-class radio station directly to the community of Melksham with a wide range of music, together with local and national news and information."

Mr Dawson added: "The sound will be professional, entertaining and, above all, accessible by the people in the area."

He already has a proven track record with neighbouring station Fantasy Radio in Devizes.

Following a briefing, Melksham mayor Cllr Jon Hubbard said: “The radio station will carry information and news specifically for Melksham and surrounding villages and it will be produced mostly by Melksham people for Melksham people.”

Photographer, Andy York from the Littlebrook Courtyard, said: “I think that Melksham has long needed its own radio station.

"It would be wonderful to have a local station to bring the community together, keep everyone informed on local events and issues."

Radio Melksham has already gone live to give listeners a taste of what to expect – visit the website www.radiomelksham.co.uk and click on the ‘take a listen’ button.

In time, Radio Melksham will start a full service on the FM airwaves.