A COMMUNITY access radio station set up by Blaenavon residents has suffered a double setback.

The Blaenavon Broadcasting Group radio project WHAM! was due to go on air on May 1 and transmit live round the clock until midnight on Sunday, May 30.

Now the station, which is funded by £10,000 of Social Risk Fund cash, will be going on air two days later than planned and on a different frequency from the one it applied for.

Ofcom, the government's new media regulator, told the WHAM! Radio team they could not go on air on May 1 because another Restricted Service Licensee (RSL) will be on air in Newport until midnight on May 2.

Disappointed project manager Alan Fossey said: "This other RSL is not in the same area and is even on a different broadcast band.

"On the one hand they say they want to push the growth of community radio and, on the other, Ofcom continues to work hard at holding it back." The WHAM! team also failed in its bid to get the 846 kHz frequency on the AM band which it applied for.

Alan Fossey added: "846 kHz would have been perfect for us. 1449 kHz, which is being offered in its place, is OK but not as clear of night time interference."

Despite the setbacks, the 150-strong group of volunteers are pressing on with the project, with a special induction night being held later this month. Volunteers who wish to take part in the training course in March and April can join the group at Blaenavon Workmen's Hall on February 26 at 7.30pm.

l WHAM! Radio will be on air throughout May, now starting on Bank Holiday Monday, May 3, covering most of Torfaen and parts of neighbouring county boroughs from its studio in Blaenavon on 1449 kHz medium wave (the AM band).

It will be run entirely by volunteers. If you want to be involved, call Alan Fossey on 0773 226 7025.