Scottish publisher DC Thomson has moved to reassure newspaper staff that they will not be affected by plans to close a Dundee printing plant.

Up to 350 jobs are at risk of redundancy as a result of the proposed closure of the company’s West Ward site in Guthrie Street – one of three plants in the city.

But the company said the proposal would not affect its newspaper business, and that it would continue to print The Courier, the Evening Telegraph and The Sunday Post at its Kingsway premises, which are staying open.

The print closure mainly affects DC Thomson’s books and magazines, some of which will now be printed elsewhere.

A spokesman for the company said: “These proposed changes are necessary to ensure a strong future for the business which is proud of its heritage, its association with Dundee and the fine journalism which we produce.

“These are difficult times for the publishing industry, but our publications are still amongst the most successful in their field. However, like others, we are not immune to the economic downturn or market conditions.

“We remain fully committed to our newspapers, magazines and comics business. For the last 25 years, DC Thomson unusually has continued to print its own books and magazines despite increasingly difficult market conditions.

“We will do everything we can to minimise the number of compulsory redundancies so we can achieve the change wherever possible through a voluntary arrangement.”