Rutland County Council has today (28th August 2020) announced that it is setting up a project to investigate the feasibility of establishing a community radio station for Rutland.

The decision follows a rebranding of the county's current local radio station and a move for it to focus on more national content.

Council leader Oliver Hemsley said: "Rutland's current local radio station provides a trusted source of information for residents – appealing to a broad audience across the County.

"The station also provides an important mechanism for the dissemination of messages in emergency situations – whether that be the current pandemic, a blocked road, a flood or a fire."

Coun Hemsley continued: "Although we have lobbied for the station to retain its current format, unfortunately, its current owners have chosen to move away from the local focus, leaving a significant gap in communications and entertainment for our residents.

"We are therefore looking at the viability of establishing a community-focussed station for Rutland."

Should the project identify the station is viable, the county council proposes that a vehicle, independent of Rutland County Council, would be established to bring the station to fruition.