Seven editorial jobs are at risk after a regional publisher has announced plans to merge two neighbouring newspapers.

Archant London told staff yesterday that it wants to merge the Gravesend Reporter with the Dartford and Swanley Times, resulting in the closure of the Gravesend office.

The company said that as a result of this, it planned to restructure its Kent editorial operation, which is based in Sidcup.

Under the proposals, its sub-editors and sports writers could be moved to Ilford – where Archant has an existing common production unit and group sports unit.

A statement from the company said: “Archant London has announced it is to merge the Gravesend Reporter and Dartford and Swanley Times and at same time close its Gravesend office.

“As a result of these decisions it is proposed that Archant London’s Kent editorial operation, run out of the Sidcup office, be restructured.

“It is proposed that editorial production is carried out within the existing common production unit based in Ilford and sport is absorbed into the existing Ilford-based group sports unit.

“Consultation will now commence with those affected by the closure of the Gravesend office and the editorial restructure proposal.”

Up to seven staff could be affected by the proposals, which is understood to include sub-editors, sports staff, reporters and a senior newsdesk position.