A hyperlocal publisher has issued a New Year pledge to readers that its two websites will remain free to access throughout 2024.

MyTown Media Ltd, which publishes MyWelshpool and MyNewtown, claims it is “bucking the trend” by not introducing paywalls on the two platforms.

It says the sites can continue to operate free to access due to the support they receive from local advertisers.

The pledge was issued by MyTown Media co-founder David Williams, pictured, in a message posted on MyWelshpool this week.

Wrote David: “As we set sail on a new year, MyTown Media Ltd is making a 2024 pledge to you, our dedicated readers and viewers, that it will remain free to access your local news for the whole year.

“As local newspaper prices soar and news sites create paywalls up and down the country, we’ll buck the trend by promising not to introduce any charges for both MyWelshpool and MyNewtown.

“We are also resisting the trend to introduce those annoying formats used by the industry to hide the news amidst the adverts by keeping your sites plain and simple.

“All of this is possible because of the amazing support we receive from local businesses who advertise with us and ensure the ongoing success story of our sites which have become a vital part of local life over the past 14 years.

“As we enter the New Year, I would like to say a big thank-you to all of those companies that have invested their hard-earned marketing budgets in us and we look forward to working with more in 2024.”