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Former editor steps back up as deputy quits

Changes at a series of Wiltshire titles have led to a fresh editorial reshuffle after a deputy editor opted to take redundancy.

Wiltshire Times and Gazette and Herald editor Gary Lawrence is relocating to Swindon to take charge of the Swindon Advertiser, although he remains group editor of all the Wiltshire titles.

The day-to-day running of the Newsquest-owned weeklies will now fall to Nev Smith, a former Wiltshire Times editor who is to become deputy editor of both titles.

It follows the decision of the previous deputy, Joanne Moore, to take redundancy.

Until now the management of the two titles has been based at the Gazette and Herald’s offices in Devizes. However both papers will now be run from the Times’ office in Trowbridge.

The changes are linked to the creation of a new production hub at Oxford which will be responsible for subbing all the Wiltshire titles as well as the Oxford Mail.

Nev was editor of the Times until two years ago when it was merged with the Gazette and Herald under Gary’s leadership.  He subsequently became assistant editor.

News of Joanne’s departure and Nev’s new role was announced to staff by Gary this week in an email, which has been seen by HoldtheFrontPage.

It read: “I’m sad to have to say that Joanne Moore has decided not to take up the role of deputy editor of the Wiltshire Times and Gazette & Herald. She is to take redundancy and leave the company on June 24.

“Jo has been the heart and soul of the Gazette for more years than I care to remember and her passion for the Gazette, and lately the Wiltshire Times, will be a big loss. I know everyone will wish her well.

“I’m pleased to announce that Neville Smith has agreed to take on the role and will help lead the move to Trowbridge, which is still planned for July 7.”

Gary takes up his new role in Swindon on Monday in succession to Dave King, who has resigned to spend more time with his family who are based in Hampshire.