A second regional daily has launched a campaign to save steelworks on its patch from closure.

The South Wales Evening Post has started a petition calling on Westminster and the Welsh Assembly to find a solution after Tata Steel announced its intention to sell its operations in the UK.

The company operates plants in Llanelli and Port Talbot, close to the Evening Post’s Swansea base.

As previously reported on HTFP, The Leader, which serves Chester and North Wales, has also launched a petition to save Tata’s Shotton plant, in Deeside, from closure.

Evening Post editor Jonathan Roberts said: “The announcement that Tata intends to sell its UK operation is a devastating blow to this region. Thousands of people rely on the steel industry, it is very much part of the fabric of South West Wales.

“It is hardly surprising that the community has been left stunned by the news, and angry at finding itself in such a precarious position.

“As the local newspaper, we believe it is essential we provide the platform for people to vent their frustration, and ensure their voice is heard in the corridors of power.

“Our politicians have to step up and find a solution. They cannot allow so many jobs to be lost to this region; they must save families from what appears a very bleak future indeed.

“We need them to take notice of local people, and we hope that our petition will enable us all to demonstrate a strong, united front; one demanding that decisive action is taken to prevent an economic disaster in South West Wales.”