A radio station broadcasting in Polish is being set up by a north Essex man to help boost integration and help Poles settle in the UK.

Arek Tylza, of Shrubland Road, Colchester, believes about 10,000 Poles are living in Essex and that many need help, first settling and then joining in with society.

As a result Mr Tylza, who works for Autism Anglia, formerly Essex Autistic Society, is setting up Radio Veespa - the English pronunciation of wyspa, the Polish for island - within the next year.

He said that when he moved to the UK two-and-a-half years ago he had no idea how to get hold of a National Insurance number, how to open a bank account or where the best places to look for a job were.

Mr Tylza said a radio station, offering advice for newcomers and information about cultural and sporting events for those seeking to integrate, would be very popular.

"Our aim is to integrate Polish and English cultures and know each other," he said.

"The aim of the radio station is to prepare broadcasts in Polish and English, so there is a way for the Polish community to learn the language. We want to give advice for people who are confused over here."

  • More in tomorrow's Gazette