New newspaper launched for Penrith area, but uncertainty remains over future of Cumberland and Westmorland Herald
A new local newspaper for Penrith and Eden Valley will be launched this Friday.
Newsquest Cumbria, owner of The Cumberland News and The News and Star will publish the Cumberland and Westmorland Gazette weekly.
The move comes after uncertainty surrounding the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald's future. The title, which has covered the area since 1890 and is one of the oldest independent newspapers in the country, is currently in administration.
David Coates, Newsquest Cumbria’s managing director, said: “Nobody understands Cumbria better than the team behind the launch of this new title and website, and the Cumberland & Westmorland Gazette is a natural extension of our coverage in Penrith and the surrounding area.
“It is essential that Penrith and the Eden Valley continues to benefit from its own newspaper and local news website.
"The uncertainty over the future of the Herald is causing concern to the newspaper’s staff, and the wider community, and Newsquest Cumbria is pleased to step in to help.
“We’ll be creating new jobs in Penrith, adding to our existing team of 34 reporters on the ground in Cumbria, and there are also opportunities for advertising specialists to join our team too."
The first edition of the Cumberland & Westmorland Gazette which costs 80p, is to be published on Friday, February 21.