There could be a number of separate applications for the new local North-East Wales and West Cheshire multiplex, which is currently being advertised.

Traditionally, existing FM and AM stations have formed the backbone of applications, so it's likely we'll see Marcher Sound and Classic Gold Digital as part of the services for the area. Both of these services launched on the Liverpool and North-East Wales multiplex way back in 2001, however these soon disappeared from the largely city-focussed multiplex.

Now it has been decided North-East Wales will be bundled in with west Cheshire, a move likely to find little favour with stalwarts from the North-West. The original multiplex for Liverpool and North-East Wales had been lacking in local services for areas outside of Liverpool and the radio regulator decided it was time to extend services in Wales.

BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio Wales are both guaranteed space on the multiplex, however, there is no reserved capacity for the forthcoming BBC Radio Chester.

The new multplex is currently being advertised by the radio regulator, Ofcom. The deadline for applications is 9th May 2007.