QUAYWEST radio station has been thrown a lifeline after shock news that its owner's financial difficulties could spell the end of the Bridgwater station.

Bridgwater Broadcasting Services Ltd (BBS) is temporarily taking the responsibility of keeping the station - along with the station in Watchet - running, while administrators wind up Laser Broadcasting's affairs.

BBS director Dave Englefield said: "We are thrilled and delighted to be able to bring the stations back into local hands. The radio stations are extremely important to the people of Sedgemoor and West Somerset, and an integral part of the community.

“We have an important role to play for our listeners and the local businesses, who have shown us a huge amount of support and loyalty, which, in turn, gives us a fantastic platform to build on."

The two stations were originally independently owned before being sold to companies including Choice Media, and then Laser Broadcasting in 2006.

Dave Englefield, also one of the founders of the Bridgwater station, has aligned himself with a local media and marketing company in a bid to help save QuayWest, and ensure the stations remain locally owned.

He added: "This is going to be a testing, but exciting time for us all. Both stations were born in Somerset and we intend to make sure they both continue to thrive and grow."

BBS will remain responsible for the two Somerset stations until an offer is accepted to take over the licenses.

For further information, call Darren Horne or Lawrence Hebron at Southwest Media Consulting on 01278-434231.