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Critics have slammed those behind the new Made in North Wales TV station for making their programmes...in Liverpool.

The new venture will also produce just eight hours of local programming, of which only 30 minutes will be in Welsh, say language campaigners.

The channel, which is part of government plans to start community TV stations and will launch on April 26, was set to be based in Mold or Wrexham .

But, while programmes will be filmed in North Wales, the channel will be based in Liverpool.

Aled Powell from campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said: “It is not acceptable that Ofcom has agreed to license the company despite it providing only 30 minutes of original Welsh-language content a week - only 3% of the hours broadcast.

“Indeed, the percentage of original local programming will be very low as well.

“We also think it is unacceptable that the programmes will be made in the company’s studios in Liverpool, rather than in the local area the channel serves.

“It stands to reason therefore that the local community will not benefit economically or culturally from the new service as much as they could.

“We are also concerned that Made Television will not keep to the commitment made by the original successful bidder: to use and take advantage of the resources and skills of Glyndŵr University’s students.”

A spokesperson for Made Television said: “The Made in North Wales channel will be providing programming as per the Ofcom licence award in 2013 (to the original applicant Bay TV Clwyd), providing over eight hours of original first run local programming each week and a dedicated 30-minute Welsh-speaking programme.

“We will be aiming to exceed these commitments and look forward to launching the channel on April 26.

“Made in North Wales is linked to Liverpool from an infrastructure perspective, as the office there is already connected to the channel transmission facility in Birmingham.

“Made in North Wales is working with local businesses to provide an office space in the area, and the on-location original content will all be filmed in the region.

“We remain very keen on finding suitable office space in the area in the future.”

Made Television channels broadcast up to two hours of original content each night, with acquired or shared programming from across the company’s network making up the rest of the schedule.

Jamie Conway, CEO of Made Television, said: “North Wales is a vibrant and beautiful part of the UK and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to entertain viewers living here with programming that will be tailored to their needs.

“We are committed to providing opportunities for local people to get involved in what we do and we’re looking forward to working with the local community.”