Six jobs lost and 20 at risk after Cumberland and Westmorland Herald calls in administrators

One of Cumbria's oldest newspapers is facing closure after going into administration.

Six jobs have been lost and 20 more are at risk at the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald .

Staff at the Penrith-based newspaper were told on Monday after, what has been described as, "increasing deficit in the company’s defined benefits pension scheme and "longstanding pressures facing the regional print media industry."

Credit: PA

The company appointed administrators Howard Smith and David Costley-Wood of KPMG while they search for a buyer.

Commenting on the move, Howard Smith said: “the Herald has been a cornerstone of the community in East Cumbria for over a hundred years.

“Unfortunately, however, an increasing deficit in the company’s defined benefits pension scheme, in addition to the longstanding pressures facing the regional print media industry were behind the directors’ difficult decision to place the company into administration.

“Our intention is to continue to trade the business for a short period while we explore options for a possible sale.

"During this time, we anticipate that two editions of the newspaper will be published under the direction of the editor.”

Established in 1860, the Herald has produced weekly newspapers covering stories in East Cumbria.

  • Interested parties are asked to contact Ryan Manuel at KPMG on 0161 246 4151.