Stroud FM has issued the following statement regarding its future: Like many community organisations Stroud FM has found it extremely difficult to raise revenue and secure funds to continue programming.

The directors have taken the reluctant decision to seriously consider closing at the end of this month.

Clare Jackson, vice chairman of the board of directors, said: “It has been a very tough decision to make but with our overheads climbing and funds drying up we have no alternative but to consider closure. “We are not giving up hope and ask the wonderful people of Stroud to help keep us on air by making donations to our fighting fund.”

The Stroud FM realised it was having financial difficulties in July and called an EGM after which some funds were raised from grants but not enough to maintain the station.

Stroud FM went on air in 2008 and now has 56 regular volunteer presenters with a wide range of programmes from the popular news-based Drivetime show through to specialist music programmes.

It also broadcasts niche local interest shows such as The Locker Room, which covers local sports, The Skateboarding Show and the environmental-based Transition Show.

However, the station has not only concentrated on programmes. It has also trained 300 people in broadcasting and IT skills.

It has run classes in schools and youth clubs and trained recovering addicts and the long-term unemployed.