An independently-owned free newspaper – which published its 250th edition in December – is celebrating its 21st anniversary year.
South Warrington News was called Shopfront when it originally launched in 1993 and has continued to grow as the only independent newspaper in the town and surrounding area.
Owner and editor Brigid Hardman told HTFP that the newspaper continues to go from strength to strength fuelled by the loyalty of readers and advertisers as well as a strong editorial team.
Brigid says that, even in difficult times, a local newspaper with the right business approach can flourish and many of the title’s original advertisers are still with them today.
The 250th edition of South Warrington News
“I was brought up in this area and I wanted to give it its own voice and identity,” she said.
“The newspaper continues to grow and I am delighted it has played an active part in keeping local businesses and communities thriving,” she added.
The newspaper is published by North West News Limited and launched its online edition www.southwarringtonnews.co.uk in August 2005 with an interactive page-turn facility.
Sign up for our free daily email bulletin
Follow HTFP on Twitter
Got a story? Email the Editor at
This newspaper is obviously well-liked and to use the dismissive description of ‘freesheet’ in your headline is unkind as well as inaccurate.
Report this comment
Sorry, Tony, the SWN doesn’t even do justice to the term ‘freesheet’, and I’ve worked for plenty of them in Warrington.
No editorial values, stacked with the nearest press releases to hand, irregular appearances down the years, at least the various freesheets it outlasted tried to be newspapers.
It is what it is – a vehicle for a decent ad rep. I’m not sure the good folks of Stockton Heath, Lymm and Grappenhall would notice if there wasn’t a 251st.
Report this comment
A vital source of news and support for the local community!
Report this comment