Radio chiefs work to remove transmitter

Broadcast bosses asked to remove a transmitter installed near homes in Stourbridge say they sympathise with residents.

Stourbridge Radio Group Ltd will have to take down the aerial from flats at Dobbins Oak Road in Wollescote, cabinet member for housing councillor Michael Evans confirmed yesterday.

Dr Paul Collins, chairman of Stourbridge Radio Group, said today the group was happy to comply and has been in negotiations with Dudley Council about moving the aerial since July 2008. The group, which operates The Bridge radio station, is now looking to install a replacement at Dean Court in Chapel Street, Brierley Hill.

Dr Collins revealed that while the transmitter in Dobbins Oak Road will ultimately be removed, it would have to remain in operation until a new aerial has been erected. Regulations set by industry watchdog Ofcom mean the station must not have any breaks in transmission, he explained.

"The reason we haven't already removed the aerial from Dobbins Oak Road is quite simple," he said. "We cannot take the one down before we have got the new aerial in place as we cannot have a break in transmission – we are not allowed by Ofcom.

"But we are sympathetic to the Wollescote residents and we want to resolve this as quickly as possible." Stourbridge Radio Group has submitted a planning application for the new aerial at Dean Court and has subsequently applied to Brierley Hill area committee for £5,000 towards the cost of the new equipment. Dr Collins said the move was designed to make sure the transmitter was ready if planning permission is granted.

Council officers had suggested Dean Court was a "preferred" site. Costs for resiting will be met by Stourbridge Radio Group.

Problems at Dobbins Oak started a year ago, after which Stourbridge Radio entered talks with the council to find a solution.