Trinity Mirror is set to close the office of the Hertfordshire Mercury and Herts and Essex Observer newspapers, moving journalists to the Essex Live newsroom some 30 miles away.

Staff at the former Local World papers were told of the plans to move them to Chelmsford, Essex, on Thursday last week, when Trinity Mirror also announced that 49 jobs were at risk as it continues to roll out its “Live” publishing model that separates print and digital newsrooms.

The Hertford office closure was not disclosed in Trinity Mirror’s official announcement of the latest Live website rebrands, also made last week.