IPSWICH'S newest radio station is today broadcasting test transmissions, as its long-awaited official launch date nears.ICR FM will broadcast across the Ipswich area on 105.7fm.

IPSWICH'S newest radio station is today broadcasting test transmissions, as its long-awaited official launch date nears.

ICR FM will broadcast across the Ipswich area on 105.7fm from noon on August 15 and as part of the preparations for the big day the station has begun broadcasting a four-hour loop of test transmissions designed to make sure the signal goes out loud and clear.

Already there have been reports of the station being heard around the area.

The FM switch-on marks the realisation of an 18 year dream for the enthusiasts behind Ipswich Community Radio.

They have broadcast on limited licences and, more recently, over the internet at www.icrfm.co.uk while aiming to finally be given a full FM licence.

The first test transmissions went out on Wednesday and the station's Nick Greenland said: “We're just testing that the signal is fine and that there is no interference.

“We know that it was loud and clear in Tattingstone but they couldn't get it in Playford.

“The transmissions will continue uninterrupted until we go live at noon on August 15.

“The transmission is 12 20-minute segments which represent the different kinds of material we will be broadcasting.”

The station, which is run by volunteers, is based at the CSV Media Clubhouse in Princes Street, Ipswich.

It was awarded a permanent FM licence by the regulatory body Ofcom.

It is run by volunteers and aims to represent the full cross-section of the Ipswich community. Among the programmes which make up its weekly schedule are Kurdish, Portuguese, Polish, Iranian and Asian programmes while the mix of music ranges from RnB and reggae to dance, rock, punk and country.

ICR FM is keen to receive reports from listeners around the area so that they can find out which areas the signal is reaching.

Visit the forum at www.icr.fm or e-mail nick@icrfm.co.uk.

Have you been part of the campaign to get ICR an FM licence? How do you feel that FM broadcasts are finally so close? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.