Regional publisher Local World has confirmed it is closing one title and merging two others in one of its Midlands divisions.

The Burton Advertiser, a free sister title to LW-owned daily the Burton Mail, published its final edition on Wednesday.

In addition from 7 January, the Uttoxeter Advertiser and Uttoxeter Post and Times, both paid-for titles, will merge to become a single paid-for title, the Uttoxeter Advertiser.

Local World has confirmed that no redundancies will be made as a result of either announcement but has declined to comment further.

However as a result of the changes the National Union of Journalists has stepped up its calls for local communities to be allowed the chance to save closure-threatened local newspapers.

Chris Morley, Northern and Midlands organiser, said: “The loss of any title, particularly those that contain unique content and that fight for sales to readers in their community, is to be regretted.

“It is a relief that these closures do not come with staff losing their jobs, but I think it is important that companies looking to end publications justify their decision to the communities they were happy to take circulation and advertising revenue from for years.

“It is not good enough to airbrush them suddenly from history.”

Added Chris: “There is also the possibility of opening up use of the titles to others who might be able to make a go of it – a principle the NUJ is pursuing through the Localism Act to make local newspapers able to come under the Community Asset Transfer process whereby local bidders are encouraged to come forward.”

The new Uttoxeter title will continue to be based at the current offices of the Advertiser and Post & Times in the town.