A new radio station has been formed in Great Yarmouth to bid for the expected five-year licence announced by Ofcom.

Harbour Radio has appointed of a board of directors to oversee what they intend will be a community station, and not-for-profit.

The group need to raise around £10,000 to cover a Restricted Service Licence to broadcast for 28 days, ahead of securing the community radio licence.

An RSL broadcast was operated for four weeks by Coastal Radio during late summer with some of those involved moving away to form Harbour Radio.

Coastal Radio, under the leadership of Rob George, is continuing with its efforts to get on air as a community enterprise.

The newly-formed Harbour Radio board comprises John Rodgers, Dave Starbuck, Richard Routledge, Nev Moore and Carl Castledine.

Spokesman Dave Starbuck said: “We have support from the council and local businesses but we need more and especially we are seeking donations from key supporters who can work with us on the project.”

He explained securing the five-year licence means set up costs will be in the region of £50,000 plus approximately £1,000 a week to keep the station going.

Dave added: “However, the station will be brilliantly placed to be self sufficient, generating not only enough money to cover it’s running costs, but also to become a platform for social gain.

“We already have over 30 volunteers with experience ranging from book-keeping, electronics engineering, commercial sales, front of house, commercial and hospital radio presentation, and some with no experience at all but a willingness to learn and help a fantastic community project.

“Helping groups and charities by creating awareness and helping raise money is a key aim of the station but Harbour are also keen to make sure programming appeals to the whole community with a blend of popular music and chat.”

It is hoped local businesses will advertise to prospective customers.

Harbour also wants local people to get involved. Anyone interested should email details to info@harbourradio.co.uk.

Harbour Radio will also have a roadshow available for events, fetes, pub and club nights, quizzes, functions and parties and during the RSL they are planning on outside broadcasts on location.

Dave said: “If our five-year bid is successful, then we will also be brilliantly placed to train individuals on a wide variation of topics including, communication skills, presenting with confidence, sales training, public speaking, radio broadcasting, business skills and much more. These classes could apply to anyone in the community and help broaden an individuals skill set in preparation for employment or even the best man’s speech at a wedding!

“We are a not-for-profit organisation but we have to operate as a professional commercially aware business.”