A community radio station has had its transmitter stolen in the Maldon District of Burnham, Essex. Thieves stole the equipment at around 8:30pm on Tuesday evening, leaving the station off-air.
Saint FM Station Organiser Sandra Amey Martin, told the Maldon and Burnham Standard newspaper that everyone is shocked and dismayed after hearing the news: "We’re all extremely upset and disgusted someone would do this.
“We live in quite a rural area and offer a vital service to a lot of people who don’t all have internet access and have lost complete contact with us. At the moment we’re completely off air and we don’t know how long it will be for.”
A messsage on the station's website reads: "We are, though, still broadcasting our full schedule online at saintfm.org.uk and we would love you to join us there! We'll be back as soon as possible on 94.7 fm."
The station was awarded a community radio licence by Ofcom in May 2006 and launched in December 2007.