Readers urged to support newspaper campaign to keep you informed
Imagine not nothing anything about it?
THE Glamorgan Star has joined an industry campaign aimed at keeping residents aware of changes in local pubs and restaurants’ opening hours and activities.
For years, establishments planning any changes have been obliged to place a public notice in a printed newspaper – so that locals can comment on any proposals.
The notices are a key source of keeping local communities informed about issues such as new pub openings and extensions to opening hours. Imagine a tea shop suddenly becoming a late-night bar and as a local neighbour you knew nothing about it?
Now, Government Ministers want to scrap this. Their alternative would be an online portal.
Local news industry leaders have branded the plans “an attack on the public’s right to know” and now the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced its opposition to the move.
General secretary Laura Davison said: “These proposals are a double blow to local papers and the public. People have a right to know what is happening in their community, and local papers remain the main source of news for many – particularly those who are digitally excluded.
“Journalism is already severely underfunded in the UK and depriving papers of reliable revenue could put local titles at risk of collapse. Like pubs, local papers must be recognised as assets of community value.
“We urge the government to rethink these proposals and consider the role of local papers in providing trusted news and fostering social cohesion.”
Local newpapers also received support from a perhaps unexpected source, Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). He said that while modernising regulations makes sense, this particular change won’t solve the fundamental challenges facing the sector.
He said: “If your local pub is making changes, it’s important that you know them, and you can say, ‘yeah, that’s a really good change. I’d like to support that change. I know that will improve our community.’
“Whatever method the Government keeps for these notices, it must be accessible to the widest range of people, so communities can buy into improving their pubs together.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and business secretary Peter Kyle have launched a formal government consultation on the proposal which lasts until noon on Thursday 6th November.
Glamorgan star readers are urged to comment on the consultation by going here.
It’s vital you have your say to be kept informed through your local newspaper.
News, Letters, Sport and advertising are welcomed by the Glamorgan Star – the largest newspaper or magazine in the Vale of Glamorgan. Contact us today here.
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