TOWN HALL bosses will pay out over �160,000 a year to staff council-run paper The News – which was created to save �75,000 in annual costs. Job vacancies are already being advertised online for the fortnightly publication which is due to start at the end

TOWN HALL bosses will pay out over �160,000 a year to staff council-run paper The News - which was created to save �75,000 in annual costs.

Job vacancies are already being advertised online for the fortnightly publication which is due to start at the end of May.

Barking and Dagenham council are searching for three reporters, a Sub Editor and a Deputy Editor.

At the top end of these salaries the annual pay out for staffing the council newspaper will be �162,981.

A council spokesman said: "We are saving money because we are discontinuing more expensive publications Citizen, Neighbourhood Matters and Spotlight.

"The posts will be paid for through these savings.

"No additional money has been allocated for the five new posts.

"We expect to generate income through advertising revenue.

"The newspaper will be strictly non-political and have no influence from political parties.

"Therefore final content approval will be with the editor.

"This decision has been taken to increase interaction with the community, save money and promote the borough as a positive place to live."

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