A letter to readers from Mark Waldron, editor of The News, Portsmouth

At The News we continue to see the daily effect the coronavirus pandemic is having. Through these troubling times we strive every day to not only keep you informed, connected and entertained but to champion the communities we are proud to serve.

There remains much to be positive about. From reporting on the #ActsOfKindness of both friends and strangers, to applauding our #HealthHeroes and other key workers, to ensuring we #SupportLocal by backing businesses who are keeping our communities served.

While our daily lives are not what they used to be, we know that our readers need us more than ever. But with lockdown now extended into May, The News continues to face the financial pressures of the pandemic. We know this is the same for other local businesses, many who are our advertisers. Meanwhile fewer readers can go out to buy a copy of our newspaper as they follow government safety advice. And rightly so.

It means we have never been more reliant on your support. I thank all of you who have taken out a digital subscription over recent weeks – your backing for what we do is much appreciated.

For those who haven’t I ask you today to support us by signing up. Just £1 a month for the first three months gets you unlimited access to all our trusted local news online and on our app, with fewer ads, faster loading times and access to newsletters and exclusive content and offers. You can sign up by visiting our Subscriptions page.

I appreciate there are people who do not agree with The News’ subscription service. But it is part of our business model and has been that way since we launched it last May.

For those who do not agree, I ask you not to direct your thoughts into personal abuse against my journalists. They are trained professionals – identified by the Government as key workers. Their content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world.

And they are also real people – members of the communities you live in. They share the same worries and face the same issues as you do in these uncertain times. And so I would ask everyone to please not let healthy online debate spiral into personal abuse directed at my team.

By supporting us, we can continue to support you.

Keep safe and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

Mark