HAYES FM has hired a new manager, who has hopes of a fresh start for the radio station following months of behind-the-scenes turmoil.

Sagan Daniels, 28, was appointed last week to take charge of the station, which will be moving from its studio at St Anselms Church in Hayes town, to Rosedale College, in Wood End Green Road, Hayes.

A date for the move has not yet been set.

Mr Daniels said: “I am passionate about community radio. These are exciting times for Hayes FM.

“The planned move to Rosedale College will give the stability that we need and will be a fantastic training resource for the young people in the area.”

Mr Daniels, from Islington, says his background is in community arts, and has previously worked on media projects for Newham Council, the Victoria and Albert museum, and Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur football clubs.

His recruitment was made possible after Hayes FM made a successful bid for a grant from media regulator, Ofcom.

Hayes and Harlington MP John McDonnell (Lab), who is chairman of the Hayes FM board, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sagan to Hayes FM. His enthusiasm for community radio is infectious.

“He will inject an energy that will reinvigorate the station and assist in re-engaging with the local community.”

The last Hayes FM manager, founder Sutish Sharma, left his post in October. The relationship between the board of directors and the station volunteers soured in the months that followed, and the situation came to a head in March when the presenters signed a petition calling for the directors to step down.

The dispute flared up again in June, with staff complaining of bad working conditions and unpaid rent issues with the church.

Mr Sharma, who sided with the staff, said he would return as manager but only if the management resigned.

But the board remains intact, and now believes it has the necessary leadership to take the station forward.

Mr Daniels said: “In the short term, I will be overseeing the transition to the college, and in the long term we will develop a more integrated, up-to-date service, with a strong online presence.”

n Tune into Hayes FM at 91.8FM in Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow, and online at www.hayesfm.org.uk.