AN exciting period of change begins in the next two weeks for Delta Radio.

In an upbeat letter to shareholders, UKRD managing director Valerie Handley explains that Tindle Newspapers has become a major shareholder in Delta Radio, alongside UKRD Group.

ÒThis unique partnership will enable the radio station to move forward in a positive and more effective way, particularly in light of changes expected throughout the radio industry in the future,Ó she said.

The new partnership comes at a time of development for Delta Radio, which has recently been granted permission by the Radio Authority to install a relay transmitter to serve Petersfield and the surrounding area.

To smoothe the way for change, founder member of AltonÕs former Wey Valley Radio station and former managing director of Delta Radio, David Way, has been persuaded to return from his sabbatical to take the helm of the new project which, sadly for Alton, will result in the closure of the townÕs Mill Lane studio from the end of this month

In a letter to Wey Valley Community Radio Association (WVCRA) volunteers, who for the past 11 years have supported first Wey Valley and then Delta and broadcast from the Alton studio, David Way explained that, to ensure the company has Òa positive and financially viable futureÓ, the new board of Delta Radio Ltd has requested some management and structural changes.

One major change would be in cutting down on duplication of costs involved in the running of two studios - the fact that the Haslemere studio was in a better state of repair, and could offer a larger amount of office space and better equipment, meant that it was the Òlogical choiceÓ of base. DeltaÕs station in Alton is therefore to close.

ÒIt is, however, important that we keep a presence in Alton and, thanks to the stationÕs association with The Herald, a small studio with connection to Haslemere and a place for listeners to visit, will be established in the offices of the Alton Herald in the next few weeks,Ó said Mr Way who believes that this location in the centre of the town will actually improve access to the radio for local people.

ÒThis will obviously mean that in the future all broadcasting from Alton will cease and all programmes will be based at Haslemere.

ÒThe most important thing to emphasise, however, is that this will not affect the availability of airtime for volunteers,Ó adds Mr Way.

ÒIndeed, the board is keen to continue with the local content and encouragement of local talent which has always been the hallmark of Delta.Ó

While David Way knows that this announcement may come as a blow to local volunteers, it is not unexpected.

In a letter, WVCRA vice-chairman Peter Goodrham pointed out that as long ago as December last year there were signs that Delta might follow this course, which at the time was rigorously denied.