A COMMUNITY radio station has lost out on a licence to become a permanent fixture on the airways. Ofcom wanted to give Lyon Radio, which is run from Bowes Lyon House, Stevenage, a community radio licence but was unable to because there are no suitable FM

A COMMUNITY radio station has lost out on a licence to become a permanent fixture on the airways.

Ofcom wanted to give Lyon Radio, which is run from Bowes Lyon House, Stevenage, a community radio licence but was unable to because there are no suitable FM frequencies available in the town.

Craig Maret, project manager, said: "It is disappointing but there is light at the end of the tunnel. We could say we give up but it is such a great project."

He said in the future Ofcom could start giving community licences on AM frequencies so Lyon Radio could benefit from this.

An Ofcom spokesman said: "Ofcom would have liked to award a licence. However, this was not possible as our engineers have been unable to identify a suitable frequency on the FM waveband that will deliver a sustainable service in Stevenage."

For the past seven years Lyon Radio has been producing month-long broadcasts each year for young people to get involved with.

Mr Maret said: "It is important for the area to have a community radio station. It gives people a voice and is lots of fun for young people and community people who get involved."

Lyon Radio's next month-long broadcast will be during the summer.

* Stevenage Calling, a film about the history of the town through music, has been produced by more than 60 young people. It documents people's reasons for moving to the town from war-torn London in the early 50s.

The film, which also covers many other interesting stories from Stevenage, is available from Stevenage Library.