The sale of the Banbridge Chronicle has officially been completed – saving the newspaper from closure.
The Co Down weekly, which has been in operation for more than 150 years, faced the threat of closure tomorrow’s the end of last year.
However, Scottish businessman Peter Laidlaw, swooped in and saved the title under his newly-formed company, Bann Media Ltd.
Mr Laidlow owns several Scottish titles including the Annandale Herald and Dumfries Courier.
In a statement, released via social media, the directors of Banbridge Chronicle Press Ltd said they “are pleased to announce that the sale of the title has been successfully completed.”
The statement read: “New owners, Bann Media Ltd, take over the publishing of the title as from next week’s edition.
“Managing Director of the company, Mr Peter Laidlaw, thanked Mr Alwyn Hodgett and his fellow directors for their help in the transfer of the title.
“Peter, who also runs the group’s community weeklies in South West Scotland and Argyll and Bute, said that he was looking forward to the continued publication of the heritage title.
“He thanked readers and advertisers for their continued support during the transition period, which had been ‘important and encouraging’.
“Editor, Bryan Hooks, led an experienced team that would look to build on the traditional strengths of the Banbridge Chronicle.
“And from next week, the Chronicle will relaunch with a new, fresh design on a new publication day.
“Your new-look Chronicle will appear next Thursday and every Thursday from then on, bringing you more of that week’s news, closer to the weekend.
“There will be new features, puzzles and TV listings for your leisurely weekend reading.
“Bann Media Ltd is determined to continue and enhance the good name of the Banbridge Chronicle, earned over the past 150 years, into the future.”
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