GMG to close Woking local newspapers

Guardian Media Group (GMG) is to close its last two remaining local papers, the Woking News & Mail and the Woking Review, with the loss of 19 jobs. The two publications were the only local papers not included in the sale of GMG's regional business to Trinity Mirror in February 2010. The company said it had reluctantly made the decision to close the titles after failing to find a buyer and exhausting all other options. The Woking Review was first published in 1933 and is believed to be the oldest free newspaper in the country. The Woking News & Mail is a paid-for title. In a statement, GMG said: "When Trinity Mirror purchased GMG's regional newspaper business in 2010 they did not acquire the Woking News & Mail and Woking Review. These titles are now the only local newspapers within our portfolio. "Despite our best efforts over the last year to find an alternative buyer, which generated a number of expressions of interest, no viable offers have emerged. "In light of this, and the Woking papers' substantial ongoing losses, we have reluctantly made the decision to close the titles. The last edition to be published will be the Woking News & Mail of Thursday 17 March. "We deeply regret that such a step is necessary, and have only contemplated closure having exhausted all other options. "Staff have been aware of the situation for some time. The company is in formal consultation with all affected employees and their representatives. "We would like to thank the staff and management of the Woking titles who have shown great professionalism and patience throughout this difficult process." The Woking titles employ 19 people, of whom nine are journalists. They are believed to lose up to £500,000 a year. The papers were not included in the Trinity Mirror deal because of competition issues. GMG also publishes MediaGuardian.co.uk.