Dec 13th 2006 - 'Yes' to radio station aerial (East Grinstead Observer)

By Pippa Woolnough

EAST Grinstead's radio station has finally been given the green light to erect an aerial - two weeks after going on air.

Meridian FM launched on November 27 and broadcasts from its studio in East Court Mansion.

But the station ran into difficulties obtaining permission to put an aerial on top of the Grade-II listed building. As an interim measure the team had to set up a 100ft bright yellow aerial in the grounds.

Lee Quinn, the radio station's managing director and presenter of its mid-morning show, was disappointed the decision was so late. Because the radio station is on air from 6am until midnight each day it will be too complicated to swap the aerials during Meridian FM's broadcasting licence, which expires on Christmas Eve.

He said: "It has cost us an extra £400 but we have managed to cover the cost of the temporary aerial."

He added: "But the decision is good news for the long-term future of Meridian FM."

Planning officers at Mid Sussex District Council approved the application for an aerial to be erected on top of East Court Mansion on Thursday.

Meridian FM is just over half-way through its four week broadcasting licence and the directors are delighted by the town's reaction to the radio station.

Mr Quinn said: "We have had really good feedback from people and businesses in the town.

"It was difficult to market until we went on air, but now they have seen all these people volunteering their time and expertise to get Meridian FM on air they think it's absolutely fantastic.

"They really want us to keep broadcasting.

"We have started to raise funds to pay for the premises and to make it more permanent in the new year.

"We are looking to the future."