Lache FM is appealing to the public to support them in their bid to become Chester’s Community Radio Station.

The internet-based station has been successfully broadcasting via the internet for more than eight years, and now want to take the next step which will see them launch on FM radio with a brand new station name.

Station managers want to launch ‘Flipside Radio’ through a four-day live test broadcast from Thursday April 23- Sunday April 26 to ensure everyone can hear shows through their home, office or car radio on 90.2 FM as well as via the internet.

But the broadcast, which will run for 24 hours a day, will come at a cost since existing funding streams for the station, based in a small studio at Lache Community Centre, only just covers current operating costs, and additional funds need to be raised to pay for the licence and running costs of the FM broadcast.

With this in mind, they have launched a Kickstarter campaign, used as a funding platform for creative projects, and have so far raised £155 of their £1,800 goal.

Chris Sutton, station manager, said: “The Lache FM project was initially established in 2007 to engage and train the Lache community with broadcasting and media production skills and over the years has evolved to become a vibrant hub where local people from throughout Chester come together to learn and grow, while entertaining and sharing their own individual blend of music, chat, news and ideas.

“Community radio enables content to be delivered that’s often over looked by commercial or mass media radio stations. Our station is unique for Chester in that we play music from Chester artists every day we broadcast and have conducted more than 100 interviews with community groups, charities and local organisations, and we need help us to build further a community network through the power of radio,” he explained.

“Kickstarter is a risk as we don’t receive a penny until our goal is achieved but it’s a risk we’re willing to take to gain exposure for ourselves and the charities, music and community groups we promote.

“We would love and desperately need your involvement – please make a pledge and help us make Chester’s Community Radio Station, Flipside, a sound alternative for Chester,” added Chris.

For information on how you can help Flipside, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1243116675/flipside-radio