A hyperlocal news site set up in the wake of what its founders called the “failures of local journalism” has suffered its first major setback.

Publishers Nigel Barlow and Louise Bolotin launched Inside the M60 a year ago this month, claiming that Manchester’s daily and weekly titles were relying more and more on so-called “churnalism.”

Now Louise has quit the venture citing “professional differences” with her co-founder.

A company statement issued today said Nigel was remaining at the helm pending a decision on the future of the site, but he would only say it will continue “for now.”

Said Louise:  “We have both worked extremely hard over the past 12 months to establish Inside the M60 as a serious alternative news site for Manchester and have proved it could be done.

“We have built a strong brand with a loyal readership that has carved its own niche in the Manchester media scene.

“Sadly, we have had our differences and decided it is no longer possible to work together.

“I respect Nigel as a journalist enormously and I also value his friendship highly. I am pleased we are parting as friends and he has my blessing to continue with Inside the M60.”

Louise now plans to return to freelancing full-time, saying: “I’m also open to all sensible offers for contract work, shifts and job offers.”

Added Nigel: “I wish Louise all the success in her future journalistic career and have enjoyed working alongside her over the past 12 months. The site will continue for now.”

Before setting up the site together, Nigel spent 20 years as an accountant while Louise was a former editor of The Public Ledger who also contributed to The Guardian and various women’s magazines.

Nigel wrote at the time that the site aimed to “give a voice to the opinions of the disenfranchised community,” and would “fill a niche created by the failures of local journalism.”

“As a result of cost-cutting measures, local papers have by nature become more insular, relying more and more on ‘churnalism’ and breaking that crucial relationship with their readership and their customers, the advertisers,” he said.

“There are, therefore, opportunities for niche journalism projects with a small cost base that take advantage of the low cost of entry and can act as the voice for these communities.”