Northcliffe Media which publishes local newspapers in Kent including the Folkestone Herald and Dover Express has announced proposals to close two of its titles.

The Medway News and East Kent Gazette in Sittingbourne will disappear from the newsstands with the possible loss of around 40 jobs.

They are expected to cease publication in early December following a consultation with staff.

According to a statement from the publisher, the closure is a result of the collapse of a proposed deal to sell the papers, and five other titles under the Kent Regional News and Media Group, to the Kent Messenger Group.

The regional publisher, which is part of Associated Newspapers, reportedly announced that the titles were no longer financially viable as a result of the failure of the planned deal.

Steve Auckland, group managing director, is reported saying: "As a result of the OFT's decision on our proposed sale of Kent Regional News and Media to the KM Group we have no choice but to consider closing these titles with the resulting job losses."

Earlier this month, Ofcom assessed the proposed merger prior to the OFT referral, and warned that blocking it may lead to Kent Regional News and Media closing some or all of its newspapers.

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