Regional publisher Newsquest has been branded as “arrogant” after it increased cover prices at two Yorkshire weeklies while cutting retailers’ terms.

The Keighley News and Craven Herald have both seen cover price hikes this week under relaunches at the titles, which have included the papers going full colour and introducing new sections.

But the National Federation of Retail Newsagents has once again criticised Newsquest and claims the full cover price increases are not being passed on to retailers, so they will receive a smaller cut for each copy sold.

The trade body said that the Craven Herald had risen in price from 75p to £1 but retailers will now receive just 22pc for every copy sold, compared to the 26.5pc they earned previously.

And it said the cover price at the Keighley News had increased from 65p to 80p but retailers’ terms had fallen from 27.2pc to 23.5pc.

Alan Smith, chairman of the NFRN’s news operations committee, said: “To hike up the prices of these two Yorkshire titles in such economically challenging times and, at the same time, turn your back on the very people you rely on to sell your papers is beyond contempt.

“We are, frankly, stunned that Newsquest can so arrogantly dismiss the concerns of both the readers of these two titles and the retailers who support them.”

The statement from the NRFN is the latest in a string of similar criticisms of Newsquest by the newsagents’ body.

Newsquest has introduced large cover price increases at many titles across the country, which are coupled with improvements to papers, such as increased pages and new sections.

The Keighley News was praised by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Khadim Hussain, ahead of its relaunch.

He told the paper: “I am very excited to see how it will look after the re-launch – in full, glorious colour and bigger than before as well.” he said.

“I know this is one of the most radical makeovers the newspaper has undergone in more than 150 years, and I am sure it will delight all those who look forward to their regular copy.

“It’s fantastic to see the Keighley News doing what it does best – providing solid local journalism, but always at the cutting edge and never afraid of moving with the times.”

Newsquest had not responded to requests for a comment at the time of publication.