An award-winning weekly newspaper is set for job cuts after the owners announced a reorganisation of the editorial operation.

The posts of editor and news editor at the Hoddesdon and Cheshunt Mercury series, as well as those at sister paper the Hertfordshire Mercury are set to be discontinued in their present form.

One overall role of editor for the entire Mercury series and one for news editor are to be created in the shake-up.

In addition, it is proposed that the role of editor of the sister Herts and Essex Observer be merged with that of the group’s editor-in-chief, Colin Grant, who would take on the job. The company’s two Star Series newspapers are set to have one instead of two editors.

Under the proposals, the Hoddesden Mercury editorial team would relocate to the Herts and Essex News group’s Media Centre at Hertford.

A company statement from managing director Paul Thompson said: "Herts & Essex Newspapers Ltd issued an internal announcement last week relating to proposed changes to the senior management structure within its editorial function.

"We are currently embarking on a process of consultation with those potentially directly concerned by the proposals.

"Until that process has been completed, we have no further comment to make."

Staff fear the proposals have already been decided on and have labelled the move “a kick in the teeth”.

The blow comes just weeks after the Hoddesdon Broxbourne/Cheshunt and Waltham Mercury series was named Best Weekly Newspaper at the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards, run in association with Holdthefrontpage. Judges praised the paper for its high quality news content and community involvement.

Management has told those affected they may apply for the new jobs but they will be advertised externally.

A memo to staff from Paul Thompson said consultation would begin this week and that the company expected all the changes to be complete by September.

Colin Grant and personnel director Graham Judge are due to speak with the affected staff following a staff meeting last Thursday.