A LANCASTER pirate radio station is looking to win a broadcasting licence to fly the flag for the local community.

Phantom 107FM has attracted more than 4,000 listeners since it increased power two months ago and in one three-hour set received a staggering 150 telephone calls.

Spinning a selection of the latest and best dance music the station's founder has been amazed at the local response and hopes that Phantom will soon metamorphose into a legal community radio station.

"When I first came to Lancaster I tuned into the radio and there was absolutely nothing on that I wanted to listen to,' explained the founder and main DJ, The Phantom.

"I'd set up a small pirate station in Yorkshire before so I thought I'd try it here. Two months ago I boosted the power and the response has been phenomenal.

"There's a buzz about town and I really want to get a community broadcast licence. Commercial stations are there for advertisers - I want something that caters for listeners."

Drifting through the district's radios from 7pm to 1am each night the station has already attracted 74 volunteers and the DJs follow a strict code of conduct.

"We've got to be twice as clean as the legal stations and I won't allow any swearing, racism or politics over the airwaves.

"At the moment it's mostly dance music but if we get the licence we can branch out into all sorts of stuff such as live broadcasts for local bands, raising awareness of local issues such as drugs and homelessness, as well as playing all different styles of music," added The Phantom.

"The station would be run by local people for local people but that won't be possible unless we get a community broadcast licence.

To ask for a request or to find out how you can support the station in its bid for a licence call Phantom on 07979 403688.

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