Shields Gazette and Hartlepool Mail papers in job cut plan

Two local newspapers in north-east England could cut 15 jobs, over plans to reorganise their operations.

Some staff from The Shields Gazette and The Hartlepool Mail are set to be relocated to the Northeast Press's Sunderland head office.

Staff were also told on Thursday that six editorial positions and nine sales staff may lose their jobs across the region.

The reorganisation by Johnston Press is due to take place within two months.

Joy Yates, editor of the Hartlepool Mail, said on its website: "There has been a great deal of recent discussion in connection with the Hartlepool Mail.

"We are looking forward to a relaunch of the newspaper later this year."

It is hoped that any job losses can be met through voluntary means.

Edinburgh-based Johnston Press reported a loss of £143.8m in 2011, compared with a profit of £16.5m the year before.