A new ‘metro editor’ is taking charge of eight National World titles after a restructure which saw four editor roles disappear.

As previously reported, National World is reducing the number of editor roles at its city network of website from six to just two.

HTFP understands the new ‘metro editor’ role has now gone to Blackpool Gazette and Lancashire Post editor Vanessa Sims, with Ross Robertson, editor of the Sunderland Echo, as her deputy.

It means Adam Lord, previously editor of Manchester World, Dom Raynor, who oversaw Liverpool World, and Liam Kennedy whose portfolio included Newcastle World and the Shields Gazette, now face either redundancy or redeployment.

Vanessa, pictured, was the most experienced of the five existing editors whose roles were placed at risk, having previously been regional editor for Newsquest’s Cumbria titles including the Mail and the News & Star.

She and Ross started their new roles, which will cover National World’s online operations at Sunderland, Newcastle, South Shields, Blackpool, Preston, Manchester, Liverpool and Bristol, on Monday.

The National Union of Journalists has previously condemned the plans saying they run contrary to the group’s previously stated strategy of having local editors.

The union has claimed that reporting staff are also being cut back at several titles including the Yorkshire Post, Manchester World and the Sunderland Echo.

National World has been approached for comment.