Publisher considers press closure

Several Welsh newspapers are printed at the Swansea site

The publisher of the South Wales Evening Post and other Welsh newspaper titles is considering closing its print plant at Swansea.

The work could move to either Bristol or Derby as part of the move.

Talks have started with 67 workers at the plant, which also prints the Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal.

Chris Rees, managing director of South West Wales Publications (SWWP) said print quality was poor at the Swansea press and it lacked colour capacity.

Our press in Swansea lacks colour capacity and print quality is poor Chris Rees, managing director SWWP

SWWP is part of the Northcliffe newspaper group, which publishes 20 daily newspapers and 27 paid-for weeklies across the UK.

The proposals would see the printing of SWWP publications transferred to other Northcliffe centres by the end of October.

The company said that consultation with staff and customers had begun.

'Signs of unreliability'

Chris Rees, of SWWP, said: "It is with great regret that we are in consultation with our staff.

"However, our press in Swansea lacks colour capacity and print quality is poor.

"Recently, the press has shown signs of unreliability. A review of capacity shows that we can print all publications of SWWP at other print centres in the group."

SWWP-owned newspapers printed at the presses, close to Swansea city centre, include the daily South Wales Evening Post and the weekly Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal.

Other publications, including the Cambrian News, are printed at the Swansea presses.