In the first of a series of features telling Leicester Mercury readers about the paper’s revamp, reporter Katie Osborne outlined the changes and reveals the results of a reader survey.

For the past year, a specialist team, led by international designer Lucie Lacava, has been working on the paper’s redesign and, apart from the finishing touches, it is nearly ready.

But before the big day on March 1 we wanted to tell you, our regular readers, what was happening. We want to let you know why the paper has been redesigned, how it will look, and what it will mean to you.

Last year we celebrated our 125th birthday and took that opportunity to look back at a proud history and tradition.

But now, at the start of this new millennium, it is time to look forward.

The new paper is much clearer and brighter, with a new layout to make it easier for you to find your favourite items.

There is a restructured news section which sees more pages dedicated to breaking news and more opportunities to report on issues in more depth.

There is a bigger, better TV and leisure section which includes a comprehensive, one-stop TV guide, as well as features on books, travel, videos, music and fashion.

Readers’ letters have been expanded to two pages and we have also introduced a new information page which includes the weather, useful telephone numbers and details of late-opening chemists.

There is also a new page for you to take time out and relax. It features crossword puzzles, your stars and other favourites, all neatly laid out on one page.

We pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive, reliable and trusted information service and we are confident you will love the new look.

In a market research survey, we asked a number of regular readers what they thought of the new design.

They welcomed the improvement, and praised: “A greater sense of organisation”, “a cleaner look”, “greater ease of finding stories” and “an impression of more colour” – more details on how people felt can be found in the panel on this page.

Editor of the Mercury Mr Nick Carter said: “This is a very big step forward for the Mercury and it was important to find out how our regular readers felt about what we were proposing to do. We know they take a keen interest in their local newspaper and are quick to tell us how they feel.

‘‘It was a great boost for the team here to see the survey results. They were very encouraging and gave us the confidence to press on with the new look and other improvements.

“Times change, and the Mercury must change with them, but without losing touch with our traditional values of community coverage, accuracy and reliability.”

Readers like ‘bolder’ front page

More than 70 per cent of our regular readers preferred the Mercury’s new design and structure.

During a detailed research survey, readers were asked for their opinions on various aspects of the new-look paper.

An overwhelming majority felt the new design was clearer, better laid out, more modern and up-to-date and more interesting to read compared with the current paper.

The new front page was also welcomed. Readers liked its boldness and use of colour and especially the new layout.

All five of the re-designed sections, breaking news, features, local news, TV and leisure and sport, were well rated and preferred to the current way we present such information.

The research found the most appealing sections of the new design were the local news sections, sport and breaking news with more than 80 per cent of readers also impressed with the entertainment and what’s on sections.

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