Two Yorkshire papers to be shut down by Johnston Press

MEDIA group Johnston Press is closing two Yorkshire papers as part of restructuring plans.

September 15 will mark the last publication dates of the Beverley Guardian and the Driffield Times & Post.

A new free monthly title covering Bridlington, Scarborough, Driffield, Beverley and Filey replace the newspapers.

No job losses will occur during the restructure, which will also see the Malton & Pickering Mercury becoming an edition of the Scarborough News.

A statement from the media group said: “Earlier this year we announced a review of our portfolio, which looked to ensure our titles are serving their communities effectively and profitably.

“Making sure our newsrooms are properly structured in order to maintain and grow audiences has also been a key priority as we continue to transform the business whilst managing commercial challenges.

“Certain brands within the portfolio have a better opportunity to succeed and we need to invest in and resource these brands accordingly.

“This means, as we outlined earlier this year, that changes will be made to the portfolio. On this occasion the changes affect the Beverley Guardian, the Malton & Pickering Mercury and the Driffield Times & Post. There will be no job losses as a result.”