RIGHT from the start of the coronavirus crisis the Hereford Times has seen its role as providing local people with accurate, reliable and important information through our pages, on our website and through our social media operations.

We are a community newspaper, and we have a responsibility to play our part in helping our community weather this frightening health storm.

Our readers have responded. During this crisis we have seen a huge surge in demand for our coverage on our website

But our efforts are being inadvertently hampered by the people whose money is vital to cover the costs of employing a professional team of local journalists.

RELATED NEWS: Hereford Times joins campaign calling on advertisers to support journalism

Advertising ‘blocklists’ are preventing adverts from appearing alongside online stories about coronavirus – including stories providing important advice, information, or perhaps praising community response and encouraging volunteering.

If the pandemic lasts for another three months the total loss to news brands across the country is expected to be £50 million – money the industry and businesses like ours cannot afford.

The news industry has launched the #BackDontBlock appeal. The message is simple: Readers are relying on us right now. Local newspapers have a critical role to play.

Please support us so that we can carry on providing the quality journalism and information our readers need.