Reporters have been left "gutted" after Archant decided to push ahead with its plans to close two district offices.

Last week we reported how the local community was rallying behind the Exmouth Journal and Sidmouth Herald in a bid to keep both centres open.

Since then Archant South West has told staff that, despite their alternative solutions for keeping the offices open, reporters will have to move to the company's base at Exeter Airport.

As a result of the move, one part-time reporter and five receptionists have been made redundant. One member of staff said: "We are gutted."

In an e-mail to staff, MD Bernard Driscoll said: "We did consider all your suggestions about alternatives, including staying at Sidmouth without any reception staff, and perhaps finding a room in Exmouth.

"I also looked again at options for saving money elsewhere but to achieve the amounts needed would involve more staff redundancies – and we don't have any staff we can do without – or further reducing our free distribution numbers, which would put us at a serious disadvantage against our competitors.

"The outcome is that, very regrettably, we will have to close the offices and relocate you. I accept that this a retrograde move and I wish there was an alternative.

"The positive side of this is that.....we still have you – a talented group of journalists able to produce first rate local newspapers that are well-respected and well read within their communities.

"The response I have had from local people since the news got out has been a testament to that.

"I also appreciate the strength of feeling that has been evident from you. I admire your efforts in trying to find alternative solutions."

He added that the Journal and Herald editors would be looking look into utilising some local goodwill to secure the occasional use of rooms in Sidmouth and Exmouth for when reporters were out on patch or on deadlines.

An Archant spokesman said the company had nothing further to add to the story.