Community radio stations in Ipswich are preparing for a battle of the airwaves after a split set them at odds with each other.

Ipswich Community Radio (ICR) has been broadcasting for several years and until the end of last year it was broadcast from the offices of the CSV Media Clubhouse in Portman Road.

However after a dispute within the organisation, the board of ICR resigned at the end of last year.

The station was then given notice to quit its studios in the CSV Media Clubhouse.

It has now moved with new management to new offices in Turret Lane – but the volunteers running it were shocked to find that a new internet radio station was being set up by CSV.

Doug Coombes, from ICR, said: “This development means ICR will now be competing for extremely limited local funds and resources with another Ipswich radio station claiming to offer the same community benefits and aimed at a near identical local audience.

“ICR was never informed or consulted about this new station, despite the fact that several CSV-based charitable projects have their own programmes on ICR and ICR continues to carry adverts for CSV services.”

Bruce McGregor from CSV Media Clubhouse said the new Ipswich Online Radio was a training facility – aimed at teaching young people aged between 16 and 24 how to work in the media.

He said: “We see the two organisations as complementary, not in competition.”

CSV was offering media training in a difficult financial climate. It needed to ensure it was able to provide the best possible media training.

“We are a media club house and always have been,” he added.

“Even before ICR came along we did media training – it is about giving a voice to local people.”