A RADIO station covering Dunbar and the surrounding villages down to the English Border could be launched this summer.

Dunbar on Air will link up with Dunbar Online, a Facebook page focusing on the happenings in the town, in a bid to “provide a truly local radio service for Dunbar and the surrounding townships, villages and hamlets”.

Andrew Morris, who created East Lothian FM, which would go on to become Radio Saltire, is at the heart of the proposals and gave a presentation to the town’s community council.

Mr Morris said: “It struck me that perhaps the people of Dunbar and environs could do with a radio station.

“I started Dunbar Online – it followed Heart of Dunbar, which had to close down and they had 5,000 members.

“Dunbar Online has not been going two years and we have in excess of 7,000 people.

“When you look at the population of Dunbar as a whole, it is a hell of a percentage.

“The plan is for Dunbar On Air and the site of Dunbar Online to be a unique partnership.”

Mr Morris told members he was in contact with OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) about setting up Dunbar On Air as a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation).

He said: “I’ve got a lot of support and know quite honestly if we do it properly it will be a big asset to the town.

“Initially, it will be broadcasting on the internet only and the signal will be available anywhere in the world if you have got a broadband service.”

In-house training will be provided at the station, which will be run entirely by volunteers. The station will also offer work experience opportunities for anyone looking to start a career in the media.

As well as music, the station will promote local good causes and encourage involvement from schools, charities, clubs and other organisations.

Mr Morris described Dunbar on Air as “a small, honest, beautifully formed community radio station – and one that will never pretend to be something it isn’t”.

Community councillors welcomed the idea while asking if premises had been identified for the station’s base, which they have not.

Mr Morris said there were certain things he was looking for, including wheelchair accessibility and 24/7 access.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of the community council, was among those impressed with the idea.

She said: “I think it sounds hugely exciting. It has to potential to fill some really interesting gaps.

“I think we would like to stay close to this as a project.”