NEWPORT may have its first permanent local radio station by 2006.

A group of local businessmen, backed by the Voice Media Group is applying to Ofcom for a "community licence" which would allow a radio station to broadcast over the city of Newport.

Newport is one of the few cities in the UK without its own radio station - but if the licence application is granted then 'Newport Voice FM' would be based upstairs in Newport Market in the city centre.

Fronted by Mike Enea, one of Newport's most prominent nightclub DJs, the station would aim to provide shows covering all social and demographic areas within the city as well as regular local news bulletins and phone-in discussions on issues relating to local politics, sport, transport and business.

In 2004, The Wireless Group ran a trial radio station called 87.9 New-port FM for a month - the station had only a temporary licence.

Mr Enea, currently the weekly resident at the Walkabout Inn and a regular at nightclubs in Swan-sea and Cardiff, said he has the financial backing of three local businesses and the Voice Media Group.

He said: "Newport needs this radio station.

"We're not the small market town we were 20 years ago and there are a lot of social and political issues which don't get proper coverage from Red Dragon.

"And it's important that Newport Voice FM is run for and by local people.

"There is enough talent in Newport who can pick up on and relate to the hot talking points in the city like bus lanes and provide proper coverage of say, Newport Gwent Dragons.

"The population in Newport is close on 140,000 people now and there are a lot of communities here like the Asian community who don't get properly catered for when it comes to having a local radio station - we think we can provide for the whole of Newport in a week's worth of programming."