Around 70 jobs are at risk after a regional publisher announced plans to close one of its printing plants.

DC Thomson has started a consultation with staff over proposals to shut its Port Dundas facility in Glasgow, which prints The Sunday Post and The Weekly News, along with contract printing for Express Newspapers.

The company says the printing plant has become ‘unsustainable’ and it is planning to cease production there next year.

Its proposed closure comes after the group announced shift changes at the plant a year ago which put up to 45 jobs at risk.

Linda Holden, head of group HR said, “The decision to enter into consultation with staff at our Port Dundas Facility in Glasgow has been taken with great regret. It has been made on the basis that the plant has become unsustainable.

“We intend to work with our staff to ensure the best possible outcome for each individual during this difficult period. DC Thomson is grateful to all those who work at our Port Dundas Print Production Facility.”

The company added it has attempted to retain production at the Glasgow plant but this had become ‘increasingly less viable’ because of the continuing decline in print volumes and the financial constraints it operates in.

Titles printed there under its contract with Express Newspapers include the Scottish editions of the Daily Express, Sunday Express, the Daily Star and Daily Star Sunday.

DC Thomson will retain its plants in Aberdeen and Dundee which print its other newspaper titles.