Work for the Essex Chronicle series will move from the Westway print and mail factory to the companys Staverton plant in Gloucestershire.

The Chronicle has been printed in the Essex town since 1764 and Octobers closure will leave Northcliffe with no printing set-ups in the South East.

The firm is believed to have lost a big contract, but refused to comment. Essex Chronicle managing director Paul Kearney would only say that it was a "very sad" situation and that it was a tough time for long-term contract print and investment.

The Chelmsford sites nine-unit Goss Urbanite with twin folders was recently overhauled. But Kearney said the press was one of the oldest of its type in the UK and needed
big spending to meet demands.

Kit at Staverton includes Goss Tribune and KBA Comet press lines and computerised mailroom kit.

Chris Harding, GPMU national officer for newspapers, said members had accepted redundancy terms. "They are disappointed but not totally surprised. There has not been a great deal of investment in the plant in recent years."

Chelmsfords end will take Northcliffe down to 12 press sites, and follows the closure of a factory in Tamworth some months ago, with the loss of 100 jobs. This resulted, in part, in Northcliffes owner, the Daily Mail & General Trust, taking a 10m charge for restructuring.

Story by Jez Abbott