The battle for Banbury's airwaves is reaching a crucial stage as broadcasters prepare bids for a licence to run a permanent radio station in the town.

Up to ten companies could apply for permission to set up a seven-day-a-week station for Banbury and nearby villages.

The Radio Authority, which controls commercial radio in the UK, has already agreed that Banbury can have its own station. Bids for the permanent licence will be invited later this year and a decision could be announced early next year.

Three of the bidders are well-known to listeners. Banbury FM, Banbury Local Radio (BLR), and Banbury Community Radio have all carried out trial broadcasts over the last two-and-a-half years.

It was Banbury FM's first trial in September 2001 that convinced the Radio Authority of the need for a Banbury station.

BLR has also run two trial broadcasts and just com- pleted its second 28-day series.

Banbury Community Radio - formerly internet radio station ImpactLive - relied on local amateur presenters for its 28-day trial broadcast.

Andy Green, of Banbury FM, said a station run by the group would be in tune with what people wanted to hear.

He said: "Banbury FM is committed to providing family-friendly programmes, which are fun to listen to at home or work." David Bennett of BLR said: "The aim of BLR is to provide a truly local radio station for Banbury, including free airtime for charitable and non-profit organisations."

Alex Kerr of Banbury Community Radio said: "Unlike other trial companies we do not travel around the country setting up 'local' stations.

"We plan to bring the community closer together."