An independent weekly founded by former regional newspaper colleagues has closed after nine years in business.
The Cleethorpes Chronicle says it has published its last edition, blaming “tough trading conditions” and a “shrinking advertising market” for the decision.
Five full-time equivalent editorial staff are affected by the paper’s closure, along with four commercial staff.
The Chronicle was set up in March 2008 as paid-for weekly by Mark Webb, former managing director at Grimsby and Scunthorpe Newspapers, and former Grimsby Telegraph deputy editor Nigel Lowther.
A joint statement issued by Mark and Nigel reads: “We regret to announce that the Cleethorpes Chronicle has published its last edition.
“The decision is due to tough trading conditions. A shrinking advertising market does not allow us to continue producing the quality of newspaper our readers are accustomed to and deserve.
“We appreciate the enormous impact this decision has, not least on our staff, as well as the community of Cleethorpes and North East Lincolnshire, served by the paper for more than nine-and-a-half years.
“We take an enormous amount of pride in what we have achieved since March 2008, producing a well-read, highly-respected local newspaper every week during turbulent economic times.
“We would like to thank all our staff, readers, advertisers, contributors, distributors and retail outlets for their loyalty over the years.”
At the time of its foundation the Chronicle became the first paid-for weekly newspaper to serve the Lincolnshire seaside resort since the 1980s.
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A sad loss. As Nigel and Mark’s statement said, the Chronicle was indeed well respected but it seems various circumstances have conspired against it. There are plenty of people in the Grimsby and Cleethorpes area who will miss it. Shame there’s no white knight arriving on his charger to rescue it.
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Oldgit47
It’s sad but this is a story being played out across the uk I’m afraid, once popular and essential local papers have either lost their markets and readers through changes such as those mentioned by Mark and Nigel as in this case or through neglect and under investment have been allowed to wither on the vine and face closure so like many things, if more people bought it and more local traders supported it ( but without the audience it’s not practical to do so )it would be profitable enough to continue.
As they say tough markets and changed methods In how folk access news and for free are simply signs of the times.
Good wishes to all affected by this closure
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Pity an independent bites the dust. The big companies ask for all they get, shedding hard working staff.
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