By Chris Story

Last updated 09:54, Saturday, 05 July 2008

Up to 60 jobs could be axed at ITV Border if a controversial merger goes ahead, it has been claimed.

Trade unions fear that all but 10 of the current 70-strong workforce at the Carlisle-based station will be scrapped if its news operation is combined with that of Tyne Tees in Gateshead.

Staff at the Durranhill studios have so far been unable to secure details about the impact on jobs if television watchdog Ofcom approves the move – part of a £40 million cost-cutting drive.

Management insist there is no final plan for the future. But the National Union of Journalists claims to have learned from sources close to the broadcaster that the merger could prompt a massive cull of the workforce – leaving it with a skeleton staff.

Border’s NUJ spokesman Adam Powell said: “It is bad news for jobs, but also bad for coverage of this region. It would be swamped by coverage of the north east.”

The proposal has sparked a vigorous campaign from across the ITV Border region – Cumbria, southern Scotland and the Isle of Man – to save Lookaround with a consortium of businessmen even tabling a failed £12 million bid to buy the station.

Unions are now poised to increase pressure on executives to give them answers about how many jobs could he jeopardised.

Mr Powell is concerned about how the enlarged region would be covered by reduced staff.

“An area that stretches from Scarborough to southern Cumbria and across to the Scottish Borders is huge,” he said. “To try and cover that with 10 staff – some of whom will be technical – is ludicrous.”

Catherine Houlihan, head of news at ITV Border/Tyne Tees, said last night: “We're still waiting to hear what Ofcom have to say.”

Ofcom have said that a decision on whether to allow the merger will be made by early next year.