A paid-for weekly newspaper due to cease publication this week has been temporarily saved.

The Whitchurch Herald was one of three weekly papers in Trinity Mirror’s North West and Wales division facing the axe.

Although the free Wrexham Chronicle and the Mid-Cheshire Chronicle are still expected to close this week, plans to shut the Herald have been delayed while the publisher enters discussions with possible buyers.

A statement from Trinity Mirror said: “The closure of the Whitchurch Herald has been postponed to enable owners Trinity Mirror North West and Wales to consider new approaches from parties interested in purchasing the newspaper title.”

Carl Wood, Trinity Mirror Cheshire publishing director, said: “There have been some developments in the last few days so we have decided to continue producing the Whitchurch Herald while discussions with interested parties take place.

“We will keep readers and advertisers informed of developments.”

As a result of the closure plans, eight editorial and three commercial roles were placed under threat but this number would most likely change if a buyer were found for the Herald.

In the latest round of ABC figures, the Whitchurch Herald has a paid-for circulation of 3,883 while the town’s population is just below 9,000.