RADIO station manager Ian Starling outside the new studio on Barnstaple Square.

New town centre studios taking shape

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THE finishing touches are being put to the town centre based studios of a new Barnstaple radio station set to launch in less than two weeks.

Network North Devon is set to go live with The Voice 106 on Tuesday, November 9, from newly-built studios on the Square.

Former Heart and Lantern FM breakfast DJs Hopps and Chapple will be back behind the decks to launch the new station with Mayor Ian Roome from 9am.

The station has been granted a 28-day licence to broadcast and those behind the enterprise hope it will be the first of a series of short-term radio stations to cover various areas of North Devon.

“We have invested over £20,000 in studio equipment, computerised playout systems and studio rental,” said station manager Ian Starling.

“We are showing our investment in the area and our determination to work towards getting a local licence to broadcast.

“There are plans to be able to do more local broadcasts in 2011 – if the community want us. We will have to see what reaction we get from them during our initial 28-day licence for Barnstaple.”

Mr Starling said he could not guarantee the signal would reach any areas outside Barnstaple as the station was only allowed to broadcast on limited power.

“We need to find the finances to get a licence to broadcast to Bideford in the New Year but it costs £5,000 before we can even say a word or play music,” he said.

“We are also looking at getting a licence for Ilfracombe and South Molton but without funds it’s going to be difficult.

“Everyone is a volunteer on the station in November and we need to ask every person and business to keep supporting the campaign.

“Remember, we believe in North Devon and are doing this to serve and entertain you.”