Housing association in talks to buy local newspapers

A TAMESIDE housing association is in talks to buy two of its local newspapers.

New Charter Housing Trust Group, which owns nearly 15,000 homes in the area, is now in “well advanced” negotiations to buy the 160-year-old Tameside Reporter and Glossop Chronicle, but no deal has been struck

Reporter and Chronicle Newspapers Ltd, which publishes the titles, has blamed the effects of the recession, the internet and local competition for the sale.

The business, controlled by Martin and Susan Lusby, published its last editions of the papers on September 13.

In a statement on the group’s website Ian Munro, chief executive of New Charter Housing Trust Group said: “We can confirm we’re in discussion about the future of the Tameside Reporter and Glossop Chronicle with its owners The Reporter and Chronicle Newspapers Ltd.

“The Glossop Chronicle has been bringing independent journalism to communities since 1855 and we’re keen to see that continue for many more years to come.”

Nigel Skinner, editor of the Tameside Reporter and Glossop Chronicle, said: “The Reporter and Chronicle Newspaper Group has a long and proud tradition in the area and, as editor, I’d like to see it survive to celebrate its upcoming 160th anniversary as an independent paper.

“New Charter has been good enough to facilitate discussions along those lines but no deal has yet been finalised. Talks are well advanced and that could bring financial strength and other advantages to the newspapers.”

The group said the newspapers will not be published “for a short time”. “But if matters progress as planned they will be back in the very near future with the local news for Tameside and Glossop.”

New Charter Housing Trust Group was formed in March 2000 to take over housing stock from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council. It has a turnover of £90m and 800 staff.