Cornwall Reports has become the first local news website in Britain to introduce a pay-as-you-go feature, for readers who do not wish to become regular subscribers.

Having pioneered the “hard paywall” business model for local journalism two years ago, Cornwall Reports has steadily built up a solid base of subscribers – with more joining every week.

The new feature, hosted by Axate, gives readers even more control over what they choose to read – with content available for only 20 pence per article.

Cornwall Reports does not carry advertising on its news pages and the website is free of pop-ups or other forms of data acquisition.

“The new pay-as-you go feature might appeal to readers who want to read only certain parts of the site, such as our coverage of Cornwall Council, or of the NHS.

“We specialise in serious, high-quality journalism,” said editor Graham Smith, “and that kind of journalism has value.  It is not unreasonable to ask readers to pay for it.

Journalism has value.  There's a reason why other local news websites are free

"But for readers who want more than four or five articles per week, it will still be better value to take out a regular subscription.”

petertremayne@cornwallreports.co.uk