North West Leicestershire District Council has invited any groups interested in taking on the community radio station in Coalville to come forwards.

It was announced last month that Hermitage FM is to close at the end of March.

In a statement on the station's website, it says the decision was 'unavoidable', with the Community Coffee Lounge in Memorial Square also closing.

Hermitage FM was launched in 2009 in Hotel Street, Coalville and moved to Memorial Square five years later.

As well as providing free training in broadcasting and radio production, Hermitage is the only Community Radio Station in the UK to operate a social enterprise Coffee Lounge, providing volunteering, work experience and training opportunities for adults and young people - many of whom have learning difficulties, disabilities or mental health issues. 

Councillors paid tribute to the work put into Hermitage FM by Jon and Jan Sketchley.

At the recent full council meeting, North West Leicestershire District Council leader, Cllr Richard Blunt, said: "If you have any ideas about what might happen to the station or the cafe, then please come and talk to the council.

"We'll put any other help into the system.

"If we can be available to help anyone who wants to pick it up then I, 100 per cent, would want to do that, as I think all councillors would. Jon and Jan put their whole lives into it."

Cllr Nick Rushton added: "I'm sorry to hear it's going, but let's hope something comes out to keep it going."

Cllr Michael Wyatt raised the subject at the meeting and said: "Jan and Jon worked tirelessly for almost 17 years to bring a local radio station to North West Leicestershire, along with a thriving community cafe, which has always been a joy to go into. 

"Their commitment and selflessness is extremely rare and can only be commended. Coalville will miss Jan and Jon, who have shared their passion and their drive to bring people together from all sections of the community."

Cllr John Legrys added: "The lease will be surrendered by the end of July.

"Other people in the community may or may not want to form a community radio station."

Cllr Terri Eynon added: "It will be sorely missed."