MediaGuardian is reporting tonight that Newsquest is considering closing 10 free newspapers and a monthly in the North West. Meanwhile HoldtheFrontPage reports: "Newsquest North West is considering closing its £17m printing plant in Bolton which opened in 2001. If the move goes ahead, printing of its two dailies. The Bolton News and Lancashire Telegraph will switch to outside Newsquest. The decision comes amid what the company is calling 'extremely tough trading conditions and the expectation that revenues will continue to fall through 2009'."
The NUJ has accused Newsquest of "the betrayal" of its journalists in the North West, claiming the latest cuts have come within a couple of months of the last round in the region, during which journalists were told there were no plans for further closures.
NUJ assistant organiser Jenny Lennox said: “Given that just two months ago Newsquest North West management told us that there were no plans for further closures, it’s no wonder journalists feel betrayed. The removal of almost all editorial staff from Bury to Bolton means that after 155 years the Bury Times will have virtually no editorial presence left in the town."
Over the past three weeks, Newsquest has axed editorial jobs at the Northern Echo, Bradford Telegraph and Argus, Hereford Times and in Glasgow at The Herald, Evening Times and Sunday Herald. The NUJ has estimated that 500 jobs have been axed or left vacant by regional newspaper publishers since June.
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