The company responsible for Kent County Council's internet TV channel Kent TV says it has not ruled out continuing with the project as a commercial operation.

Ten Alps, which was founded by Sir Bob Geldof, said it was weighing up whether to take over the website and continue with the project.

The pilot scheme, which was set up by KCC in 2007 and has cost in the region of £1.8million, was axed in a cost-cutting exercise this week. The decision by KCC's Conservative administration was welcomed by opposition parties, who had criticised the costs involved.

The council said the economic recession and squeeze on public sector finances meant it could no longer be regarded as a priority.

In a statement, Ten Alps said: "Ten Alps may consider making an offer to take ownership of the Kent TV website and its content, with the aim of running a commercial operation."

Meanwhile, a Kent-based independent TV producer said that the Kent TV experiment was not necessarily bad news for others interested in developing local television.

Peter Williams, a founder member of national organisation United for Local Television, said: "Kent County Council's pioneering work in this field won't be wasted. But the Kent TV model was flawed in a number of regards, not least in the perception that its voice was not truly independent.

"This decision is not a bad omen for the future of local TV, which has growing political support nationally. Local TV has to spring from the community it serves and a local TV network will give opportunities for cross-media ownership and the creative involvement of our universities and colleges.

"In short, a broader-based service in which the local authorities, such as Kent County Council, may yet play a crucial role."