NJP was granted planning permission at Wymondham in March last year, but the awaited announcement of Emap's print roster review and the discovery of Roman remains at the site have delayed the commencement of the project.

Another site in the Norwich area, which the firm has not named, has now become a viable alternative that could have "qualities over and above Wymondham".

Despite the last-minute rethink, a spokesman for NJP has asserted that, if the alternative site is ruled out, work at Wymondham could still begin before the end of the month.

According to NJP managing director Bob Pitts: "Wymondham remains our preferred site but it's prudent to rule out all other options before going ahead with the next stage."

The withdrawal from NJP's historic site at Whitefriars may now be extended well into 2007.

According to reports in the Eastern Daily Press, up to 30 jobs could also be cut at the firm after the recent loss of a "substantial contract".

NJP declined to confirm the exact number of jobs or nature of the contract lost, but Pitts said in a statement, "the consultations are at a very early stage and the outcome is by no means certain."
Amicus GPM Sector said it was yet to be contacted about the losses.