A very popular free local newspaper with a strong Colwyn Bay heritage has announced that it will soon be charging customers to pick up a copy.

With a few exceptions, the North Wales Pioneer will now be 80p to buy. Free editions which were previously delivered to homes and laterly picked up at various locations in the county, will now only be available for purchase.

The change in policy by owners Newsquest coincides with a major investment in local news and sport content and will begin at the start of August.

A letter from the owners of the Pioneer, Newsquest Media Group to local businesses stocking the newspaper explains the change.

"As of week commencing 2 August 2021, the North Wales Pioneer will no longer be available for readers to pick up free, in your area. Instead, the free pick up model will change to a predominantly paid strategy, with only a number of copies available to pick up free, in designated areas.

"This change coincides with a major product investment, including double the existing pagination, content improvements and more local news, sport and features. The Pioneer will have a cover price of £0.80 where sold."

Last year, the newspaper closed their Penrhyn Road office in Colwyn Bay and joined forces with other titles in the Newsquest group. It has an incredibly popular news website which is visited by thousands of people every week.

The Pioneer has many local connections and in the 70s and 80s went by the name of the Colwyn Bay Pioneer with local writers including Old Colwyn historian Dilys Thomas. The Corner Club with Auntie Wendy was a popular read with many young boys and girls growing up in the area during its Colwyn Bay heyday.