CHEPSTOW Radio is closing down due to a mixture of high running costs and time

constraints.

Chepstow Radio was co-founded in 2012 by Alex Stanley and the late Alison Beasley who passed away last month.

The station has been actively involved in the community of Chepstow and recently enjoyed a brief spell on FM where listening figures jumped from 4,300 to 20,000 people in that month.

Chepstow Radio was also involved in the Devauden music festival last year.

The radio station is made up of volunteer presenters who are actively involved and passionate about the station.

Beacon reporters Laura Watkins and Sarah Bewley also present a news show on

Chepstow Radio every Saturday lunchtime called the Beacon Sandwich.

Alex said the decision to close Chepstow Radio was a tough one. He said: "The issue with Chepstow Radio is funding but I also need to close to reduce the stress I'm under at the moment.

"Chepstow Radio takes an awful lot of my time, so the decision really is to save me from the stress.

"I have tried to get more people involved in the station to take the pressure off but it's just not a luxury we have."

Chepstow Radio will finish at the end of this month with broadcasting being shut off at midnight.

Alex said: "I'd like to say a massive thank you to all our listeners, it's been a blast.

"I will really miss Chepstow Radio and it has become my passion."

Despite the radio station's

closure, Alex said he wouldn't rule out re-opening at some point: "There is always the potential to re-open but I do need more interest from local businesses in terms of advertising.

"The ground work has been laid for the station, so there is always that potential."

Chepstow Radio will broadcast online 24 hours a day until its closure at midnight on Thursday 1st May at: