Former radio boss of Diss based Park Radio backs quest to find station a new home

The former boss of a local radio station has thrown his weight behind the quest to find the station a new home.

Chris Moyse, who founded Park Radio in 2010, said the station must be saved for the good of the community.

The station, which broadcasts across Diss, Harleston and Eye, has been forced to look for a new base after unsafe, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found in the roof of its current location at Diss Youth and Community Centre in Shelfanger Road.

Diss Town Council, which owns and manages the building, is now considering options for the site, including a £400,000 roof repair or even demolishing the building.

Park Radio has set up a fundraiser aimed at helping it relocate. It has raised £3,700 against a target of £5,000 since the fund was launched on August 6.

Mr Moyse, who ran the station until 2022, said: “The current team have a very challenging time ahead and I have offered my help.

“It was a huge effort to launch the station with associated costs of over £30,000 that had to be raised.

“I hope all the levers can be used in terms of backing from local authorities and grant opportunities exploited to save the station from closure.

“I’m so proud as to what Park Radio has achieved. It was a lifetime’s dream to have a radio station in my home town.

“The station has delivered so many benefits, notably through the pandemic, when it was a lifeline.

“It has promoted community cohesion and social gain, which must be retained.”

Problems with the structural safety of Diss Youth and Community Centre were first discovered in October, leading to its closure.

Diss Town Council said in December: “Diss Youth and Community Centre will remain closed to the public following further comprehensive structural assessments.

“A recent roof drone survey has confirmed the presence of further reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building, specifically in the roof structure above the main hall.

“Extensive remedial work is required to address the issue.”

Mr Moyse, who is now semi-retired, added: “Park Radio has promoted a sense of solidarity between members of the community it is licenced to serve.

“It offers opportunities to budding broadcasters and willing volunteers, including special youth programming.

“Park Radio also provides local advertising to help businesses thrive and to promote the local economy.

“It has become the go-to team to promote on-air and attend many key events, including carnivals and Christmas lights, plus acting as the regular car boot hosts in Diss Park, which helped with its running costs.”

James Grint, current station director, said: “The fact we hit this massive amount in the first couple of weeks says a huge amount about how Park Radio is valued.”

To donate to the campaign, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/parkradio

Mr Grint added: “I’d like to give a massive thank you to everyone who has donated, offered to volunteer, come up with fundraising ideas or has shared our fundraising page.”