FROM this week you will see a different Northwich Guardian and Winsford & Middlewich Guardian.

That’s because we are consolidating our print and online editions into one Northwich & Winsford Guardian newspaper and website.

We will still be including all of the usual news, sport and features from both towns as well as Middlewich and the surrounding areas, but in one bigger edition.

So why are we changing?

Well it’s fair to say that times remain very challenging for the local newspaper industry.

Like most businesses the coronavirus pandemic hit us hard, with a decline in advertising coupled with a reduction in newspaper sales due to lockdowns, which had a real impact on our incoming revenues.

And despite seeing a real improvement at the start of this year, unfortunately we are now feeling the initial effects of the cost of living crisis, as rising energy prices led to a significant increase in print and utility costs and a more cautious market generally.

Despite having a small reporting team our online audience continues to grow each month and we believe that providing trusted local news and information – particularly during this challenging period – is more important than ever. And that’s why we ask for you, as our loyal readers, to continue to support us.

There are two ways to do this, by having a copy of the Northwich & Winsford newspaper safely delivered to your door via our home delivery service or by registering for a digital subscription for our website.

It couldn’t be easier to have your local newspaper delivered.

You can also sign up to the Northwich & Winsford Guardian via our retail voucher scheme on 0800 781 4754. As well as being able to pick up a copy at your local shop, readers can get 12 weeks’ worth of vouchers giving them 50 per cent off the cover price – and thereafter 20 per cent off – when they sign up to our direct debit scheme. For more information on this call 0800 781 4754.

If you would rather have a digital subscription, this will give you unlimited online access to your local news on our website.

We are currently offering a special £2 for two months offer which gives you access to a wide range of site features and content, including daily news and sports emails, job alerts, property alerts, and special offers. You can also join in the conversation by commenting on our articles.

For those of you who do not wish to support us through a digital subscription, much of the content will still be free to read and you do not need a digital subscription for major breaking news stories.

So please support local, trusted journalism with either a home delivery local newspaper order or a digital subscription. There’s never been a more important time to do so.

We’re there with you – so please be there with us.