A CRISIS meeting on the future of hospital radio in Rossendale will be held tomorrow.

Since Radio Rossendale was formed in 1979, there have been an arrangement in force between Phonographic Performance Limited and the Hospital Broadcasting Association and copyright licence fees for records played have been waived.

But secretary David Foster, said: "A letter had now been received from the PPL advising that this waiver has now been withdrawn, with the PPL citing the Copyright Design and Patents Act 1988 as the reason.

"The outcome of this is that, with immediate effect, the station will have to pay fees of £8 plus VAT per week, a total of £499.80 per year.

"This means that, with the inductive loop system maintenance contract and Radio Authority licence fees, the station is facing an expenditure of approximately £1,000 per year before the purchase of records, equipment etc is even considered.

"This will obviously have a serious effect on the station's future fund-raising plans."

The radio team has called a meeting for all members, both hospital and tea bar staff, to discuss the implications of the letter and the station's response and way forward.

It will be in the staff dining room at Rossendale Hospital tomorrow at 8.30pm, following the regular committee meeting at 7.30pm.

David added: "The consequences of the PPL letter will effect all members of the organisation. Please try to attend the meeting."

Anyone requiring transport to or from the meeting should initially contact David, on 01706 825648 or treasurer and deputy chairman Philip Halshaw, on 01706 212409.

At the radio station's annual general meeting in December, Coun David Hancock, a former Rossendale Mayor, was elected chairman.

Since 1996, all credited musicians have been able to share in payments when their tracks are played in public, whether in pubs and clubs or on radio, through PPL.