Lib Dems express concern at Chronicle and Journal job cuts

9.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Jul 2009

Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle East Greg Stone has expressed concern at news that publisher Trinity Mirror is to axe 66 North East jobs, including 18 editorial posts at its Newcastle base where it publishes the Evening Chronicle and Newcastle Journal. The news follows the shedding of 23 Newcastle jobs last November, and is expected to see the Chronicle Extra editions for North and South Tyneside axed.

Greg Stone said "I am aware that trends in newspaper publishing have been difficult in recent years but I believe that local media plays a vital role in civic life and is often at the heart of local communities. I am alarmed to hear about these additional cuts, as I believe that they could have a serious effect on well-respected local titles. I call upon Trinity Mirror to issue assurances about their overall commitment to the North East and their commitment to providing quality local journalism"