Journalism under threat

The proposed closure of the press hall in Barrow is a worry.

Loss of 28 jobs to do with the actual printing of the paper by moving this to Carlisle indicates something that should concern us all.

I've heard statements of disbelief that anyone reads the Mail because of much of its sensational style of head line but some of the journalists behind the news are great.

What concerns me is the fact that the Mail is owned and run by such a large money driven organisation with little thought for local people.

If there's a better business opportunity elsewhere, on feels, the owners will be off without a thought for our communities and the journalists that feed them.

Journalists can help us think and act about the issues around us. They have a very important part to play in our communities. We must find a way of paying them a reasonable wage for what they do which is independent of the which seems to be "the fast buck".

Money for words

A total of £50 will be available every month to young people, preferably still in school and living in and around Ulverston.

To get this or part of it you will need to write something about life here as you see it. The amount will depend on the content.

Everything will be totally anonymous.

You write your comment here as anon - if I publish it then I leave you the money in a public place for you to pick up eg inside a coke can behind the Coro.

To start with it will be published here but later it could be in another blog say Ulverstonblog.blogspot.com

We'll work out a system between us.

What you write must not slag someone else off but criticising what they do or don't do is OK.

As we go along we'll get a feel for what is publishable !

The first fiver could be for a few sentences. The English or the spelling are not important as long as others can understand you!

A 'story' with a photo or two will get you the 50 quid if it's interesting to others - particularly young people.

No idea how this will work but there's bound to be a way - - - somehow!