THE BATTLE for a hotly contested radio slot in Warminster has stepped up, with Pride FM writing to Warminster Town Council for backing.

Commercial stations Pride FM and White Horse FM joined Warminster Community Radio in the race for the Independent Local Radio Licence earlier this year. Contenders have until the end of this month to enter their bids for the slot.

Pride FM, who already run Spire FM in Salisbury and Wessex FM, have written to Warminster mayor Ultan Ryan to ask for support.

Organisers of the bid for Pride FM are aiming to work in partnership with the town council if they are successful. However, the town council has already written a formal letter of support for Warminster Community Radio and has given them several grants over the past four years.