Community

Community radio receives £600,000 boost to support growth and sustainability

Published

7 months ago

May 13, 2025

Stations to benefit from expanded grants, training, and support under new funding package

COMMUNITY radio stations across the UK are set to benefit from a significant uplift in government support, with an extra £600,000 allocated this year—bringing total funding for 2025/26 to £1 million.

The additional funding will be distributed primarily through the Community Radio Fund, administered by Ofcom, with £900,000 in grants available to help local stations create jobs, train volunteers, and build sustainable business models. A further £100,000 will be used to support sector-wide development projects, such as audience research and potential new services in underserved communities.

There are currently more than 300 community radio stations in the UK, providing a lifeline of hyper-local news, information, and entertainment to listeners—often in areas no longer served by commercial radio. Unlike commercial broadcasters, community stations are run on a not-for-profit basis, with a focus on public benefit and inclusivity.

The Government says the increased funding forms part of its wider Plan for Change, aimed at boosting economic growth through job creation and skills development.

Media Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Community radio plays an important role in the lives of many people across the UK, helping to keep them informed, entertained and connected to the world around them.

“We are committed to ensuring the growth and sustainability of the sector, which is why we have boosted funding to help stations create more jobs, build their businesses and reach even more listeners.”

Mark Jones, Chair of the Community Radio Fund, welcomed the announcement. He said: “With the fund more than doubling for this year, we’ll be able to support new roles at even more stations. This will help community radio stations operate sustainably and continue to serve their local areas with creative and distinctive programming.”

Since its creation in 2005, the Community Radio Fund has awarded grants to more than 150 stations. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £30,000 and are awarded by an independent panel.

Further guidance on how to apply for the 2025/26 round of funding will be published by Ofcom ahead of the application window opening in September.

Vijay Umrao, Chair of the Community Media Association, said: “The increase in funding will help the Community Radio Fund achieve its primary role of supporting the core costs of running Ofcom-licensed stations, enabling them to continue their pivotal work.”

Martin Steers, Director of the UK Community Radio Network, added: “Community radio is often the only local voice in many areas. While we welcome this one-off boost, we urge the government to look at long-term funding solutions to ensure the sector’s continued impact.”

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.