LOCAL radio enthusiasts will almost certainly have to wait until 2004 before a decision is taken over whether Andover can have an FM radio station.

Two month-long trials have already taken place but Andover MP Sir George Young has been told that no more licensing is expected to be carried by the Radio Authority as it is to be replaced by a new regulatory body, Ofcom.

"The Government's proposed new communications regulator, Ofcom, will not be empowered to advertise and award local radio licences until after the parliamentary passage and enactment of the Communications Bill, which is expected to take place during the year ahead," said David Vick, the director of development at the Radio Authority, in a letter to the MP.

"The current assumption is that Ofcom will assume its full duties at around the end of 2003.

"Thereafter it will be for the new body to decide the pace and priorities of further local radio development."

Sir George said he simply doesn't understand the reasons for such a lengthy delay and has asked the Radio Authority to take a look at the matter again to see whether a decision can be taken sooner rather later.