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Johnston considers closure of free weekly

Johnston Press is considering closing the free weekly Perth Herald and Post.

The paper, which is distributed to 22,000 homes in Perth, Bridge of Earn and Scone and Kinross, is part of The Scotsman Publications Limited which Johnston bought in a £160m deal last year.

Consultations have begun with the two journalists and eight sales staff affected.

Scotsman Publications managing director Michael Johnston told HoldtheFrontPage that the future of the paper was being considered, but that no decision had yet been taken.

He said: “We have put forward a proposal to close the title.

“This involves 10 positions and we have started consultations on a group and individual basis.

“Every effort will be made to minimise the impact of this proposal on those at risk of redundancy including, where appropriate, redeployment.”

None of the group’s other titles, which include the Herald and Post Edinburgh, West Lothian and Fife, would be affected.

Michael added: “The Perth Herald and Post is a very small paper which has been going 18 months.

“It is a distinct publication which doesn’t overlap with any other Johnston Press titles and is quite removed from the group’s other titles in Scotland.

“Since January it has been my job to review the business and the Perth Herald and Post is part of that.

“It is very early days and we are comitted to full consultations.”

If the closure were to go ahead the last issue of the Perth weekly would be published on June 29. Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or e-mail [email protected]