Final preparations are underway for a new regional newspaper due to hit the streets next week.

The Bexley Chronicle Series of newspapers – comprising the Bexleyheath Chronicle and Sidcup Chronicle – will be the first to be published by Stone Leisure Limited.

It is being billed as a back to basics title for local people with grassroots news and, initially monthly, it is hoped the publication will soon become weekly.

The first issue is due to launch in a week’s time, on September 17, with a print run of 25,000 copies. It will cost 25p where sold.

Editing the title and overseeing the launch is Stone Leisure Limited owner Bob Griffiths.

Bob said: “It’s going brilliantly. We’ve had a lot of advertisers coming forward – it’s a 32-page issue at the moment but it may well end up as 40 pages by Friday.”

The paper has five journalists working on content and the paper will include everything from investigative stories to basic items such as weddings and town planning.

Bob said: “There is an immense amount of news that people don’t know about, and it may suit the authorities but people need to be informed.”

He is remaining tight-lipped about how the paper will be distributed, with earlier plans to distribute to private households via Royal Mail abandoned.

He said: “I don’t want to give too much away. Three-quarters of all newsagents in Bexley will be selling it, and it will also be available out and about for people to pick up.”

Bob added: “Our research among residents, businesses and retailers has endorsed the launch of the Bexley Chronicle Series which will cover the towns within the papers proposed sphere of influence – Crayford, Slade Green, Erith, Northumberland Heath, Barnehurst, Bexleyheath, Welling, Blackfen, Bexley and Sidcup.

“Initially we will be published during the second week of each month closing the paper each issue as if it were weekly, with a thorough update of what has happened during the intervening period so it will be topical with strong reader interest features covering the community, lifestyle, motoring, leisure, DIY, gardening and homes.”