40 jobs to go as regional papers up for sale

Up to 40 jobs will be axed with the announcement by the Alpha Newspaper Group that it is to shut down three of its titles in the Midlands.

The newspapers affected are the Roscommon Champion, the Longford News and the Athlone Voice.

It is understood management informed staff of the immediate closures today, after this week's editions had gone to press.

The three titles are now up for sale.

The Alpha Newspaper Group is owned by former Unionist MP John Taylor and his family.

Staff at the Roscommon Champion said they were "traumatised" by the closure.

"These are difficult economic times and the staff understood the need to introduce efficiencies," the newspaper's editorial staff said in a statement.

"However, no newspaper with foundations stretching back more than 80 years should have been allowed to close its doors.

"We, the staff, would like to thank all our readers and advertisers who remained so loyal to us over the years."