One of the oldest paid for titles in south east London and Kent is being relaunched as a free newspaper with new content and a bold new design.

The Bromley Times, a mainstay of the historic Kentish Times series which first hit the streets at the end of the 19th century, is due to be delivered to more than 80,000 homes in a borough containing towns and villages like Beckenham, Chislehurst, Orpington, and Biggin Hill. It will also be on sale in newsagents priced at 50p.

Its sales have dropped to 2,266, according to the latest ABC circulation figures, a figure down 21.3 per cent year-on-year January to July.

The revamped free paper will replace the Kentish Times’ current free title in the area, The Bromley Express.

As part of the relaunch of the Archant-owned Bromley Times, readers will see more news, a business section, travel items for busy commuters, a comprehensive sports section covering local teams, plus top London clubs Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace and Millwall.

Group editor Melody Ryall, said: “Our research revealed there were a whole lot of people in Bromley borough who wanted a classy upmarket local newspaper delivered straight to their homes.

“As we were already producing a lively and comprehensive paid-for title in the borough it made perfect sense we adjust this edition to meet the needs of our community and put it straight through their doors.

“And of course for those who don’t receive their copy free, the new look Bromley Times will also be on sale in the shops.”

Melody with the new-look Times

Among a dedicated team working on the Bromley relaunch are news editor Kate Mead, sub-editor Kate Bryson, photographer Simon Hildrew, reporters Margaret Davis and Patrick Clift, and sports editor, Stuart Henderson.

Archant London editorial director Richard Thomson, said: “We have a talented team of journalists and it makes sense to bring the Bromley Times to a wider audience. But at the same time our regular readers can be assured that we will be maintaining the high standards the Kentish Times has become known for.”

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