Two free newspaper titles in Kent may close in a shakeup that will switch editorial and production to Essex.

Northcliffe Media announced that the Adscene editions in Maidstone and Ashford were under review as part of cost-cutting moves at Canterbury-based Kent Regional Newspapers and other media businesses it owns.

The company said the changes reflected the need to reduce costs "in the current challenging trading environment".

Staff were told about the proposals, including plans to create a central editorial and production hub in Chelmsford, on Thursday.

In a statement, Northcliffe Media South East said: "The region will focus on market leading titles and those areas where medium term opportunities are visible.

"In several markets, existing titles will be merged to create single hybrid paid/free titles. This model was introduced in East Grinstead in September 08 and results have been encouraging despite current market conditions.

"A number of free newspapers will be closed including Total Essex and Focus in West Kent. Free titles in Maidstone and Ashford are also under review."

Northcliffe bought 26 south east regional newspaper groups, including KRN, from Trinity Mirror in July 2007 for £64.1million. Titles included the Folkestone Herald, Dover Express, Isle of Thanet Gazette, East Kent Gazette and the Medway News.

Northcliffe’s decision came just days after ITV announced it was cutting 600 jobs and closing a studio in Leeds, Yorkshire, and the KM Group said consultation would begin over a second round of job cuts across the county, putting about 95 roles at risk.