THE TOWN'S radio station will have to cancel its next planned broadcast if it doesn't find some vital funds.

Meridian FM may become the latest victim of the credit crunch as the team who run it say they are "finding it difficult to raise the funds to broadcast this winter".

The station, based in East Court, has said if there isn't enough money to run the 28-day broadcast this November, the station may have to cancel its winter airtime.

At present the station only has a licence for temporary broadcasts but is applying for a licence which will mean it could be on air 24 hours a day, everyday.

Organisers have said it may have to wait until communications regulator Ofcom grant this licence before it broadcasts again.

Nigel Peacock, the station's accountant and presenter said: "The budget for the station for a 28-day broadcast is almost £10,000."

The station currently offers on-air advertising and programme sponsorship and relies on donations and grants to make up the rest of the balance.

Mr Peacock continued: "The highest percentage of outgoings go towards licences to air and music royalties."

The not-for-profit company also spends a large proportion of the money on hire fees for equipment , and costs also have to be met while the station is off-air and making no profit.

In previous months, the station has done four 28-day broadcasts. These were all a success and saw more than 300 people visit the studio .

Now, team members are hoping to carry on the successful run and are pledging for support to keep the local station going.

Chairman of the station and town councillor Lee Quinn said: "Anyone in the local community, from individuals to businesses, are all a part of the community radio. We need their support either through small donations or advertising.

"If a total of 100 people joined the Meridian FM radio members club, it would secure the much needed equipment. If 200 people joined, it would be a Christmas to remember.

"Let's hope that a solution can be found soon, so that your radio and your station, Meridian FM can be shared by us all in the run up to Christmas."

The station covers East Grinstead, Forest Row, Crawley Down, Lingfield, Ashurst Wood, Dormansland, Felbridge and Newchapel.

If you think you could help or want to join the Meridian FM radio members club visit www.meridianfm.com