Local hotelier takes over at south west newspaper group

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View From, the free weekly newspaper group in the south west, has been bought by a local businessman. The series, which publishes eight weekly titles in the West Dorset region , was sold after going into administration as a result of a downturn in advertising revenue.

Buyers Jerry and Rosemary Ramsdale, who own a hotel in the area, already run a magazine publishing and exhibitions company. As reported by the Real West Dorset blog , the couple's interests include Fastener + Fixing Magazine, but this will be their first venture into newspaper publishing.

"They are excellent community publications, very popular with the readers and well respected by advertisers," says Jerry Ramsdale, in a statement on the View From website.

"Although these are difficult times for local newspapers I believe there is an excellent future for community publications like the View."

The acquisition also includes the View Online website for the group.