Publisher Reach has announced it is closing local news provider BerkshireLive as the company plans to cut 450 jobs. 

The website, which covers Reading and surrounding areas, will cease publishing on Thursday, November 30, according to a statement. 

BerkshireLive launched in 2014 after Reach, formerly known as Trinity Mirror, permanently closed the Reading Evening Post. It was previously known as InYourArea and GetReading before rebranding.

Speaking at the time of the decision to shut the paper, Reach's then-digital editor Ed Walker said the move to online publishing was to "embrace change". 

A statement shared on Berkshire Live's website on Friday, November 24, reads: “We want to thank our loyal readers for supporting us throughout the last eight years as we have sought to find different ways to make a sustainable future for our title in the county.

"It is no secret that changes in the media landscape and decisions made by large tech platforms have made life much harder for all media businesses.”

BerkshireLive is one of 13 websites around the country to close, including nearby HampshireLive and BuckinghamshireLive. Publisher Reach owns the Daily Mirror, Daily Express and Daily Star. 

Reading East MP Matt Rodda, who started his career as a journalist on the Wokingham Times, said he was concerned about the news.

He said: “It does concern me that we have lost another trusted local news provider at a time when our local media is under continuing pressure, and I would like to see more investment in and support for our local media.

“I also want to thank Berkshire Live journalists and other staff for their outstanding work and to wish them well for the future.”

Chronicle editor Katie French added: "A strong local press is vital for democracy. Research shows when local papers and websites close, corporate corruption goes up and voters are less likely to participate in elections.

"This is why supporting local news is more important than ever before and readers can do so by picking up a paper and subscribing online. 

"My heart goes out to all employees impacted by Reach's cuts, I hope they go onto find new roles in local news as the industry needs more journalists than ever."