Newsagents have welcomed Newsquest’s decision to increase the cover price of seven former Archant newspapers.

Newsquest, which bought its fellow regional publisher earlier this year, has announced the move at weekly titles covering parts of East London and Essex.

The price of the Newham Recorder, Romford Recorder, Ilford Recorder, East London Advertiser, Islington Gazette and Hackney Gazette has increased from £1 to £1.10 as a result of the move.

In addition, the Barking & Dagenham Post, previously priced at 85p, now costs 95p.

Announcing the move to newsagents in a memo, which has been seen by HTFP, Newsquest retail brand manager Matt Cartwright said: “Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your considerable hard work and continued support of our newspaper titles across the past few years.

“Our local newspaper brands have never been more important, providing local communities with trusted news.

“The recent changes in the global market have left us facing unprecedented increases in cost across the board, including energy, transport, and raw material. All of these are beyond our control.

“Therefore, we have taken the difficult decision to increase the cover price of several titles in the London and Essex region.”

Matt added: “Alongside the change to cover price, I can confirm that the current margins you receive will remain unchanged and your pence per copy terms will increase.”

Welcoming the move, a spokeswoman for newsagents’ trade body the Federation of Independent Retailers told HTFP: “We’re pleased as the retail margin will rise on a pro-rata basis.”