James Thomas
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jamesthomashere.bsky.social
James Thomas
@jamesthomashere.bsky.social
Local democracy reporter manager at National World, working with teams across the UK as part of the BBC-funded LDRS

Ex Hereford Times/Newsquest, Hits Radio/Greatest Hits Radio/Bauer | USW journo grad | Hereford FC fan | Keen swimmer | My views

📍Hereford
I hardly ever see mentions of the hometown in my job these days, but today is one of those days

I wanted to book my driving test – now I've got a 50-mile trip to Hereford and a hotel for the night
👉 tinyurl.com/5n8m7hfx
@alexgseabrook.bsky.social
July 25, 2025 at 3:44 PM
National World is on the lookout for a local democracy reporter for Blackpool - a lovely seaside spot on a day like today!

Working with our LDR and Blackpool Gazette teams, you'll be shining a light on the council and holding power to account.
#journojobs
www.atscloud.co.uk/thesmartlist...
Local Democracy Reporter (Blackpool Council):Blackpool *
www.atscloud.co.uk
April 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Some of the recent front pages from our CityWorld local democracy reporters - continuing to hold power to account and covering the critical decisions made every day that will affect the lives of millions.

I don't think I'll ever tire of playing my small part in the scheme
March 25, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Job alert🚨 We're looking for a new local democracy reporter

Working in Scotland for The Fife Free Press Group, you'll be shining a light on the workings of local government in Fife and Clackmannanshire, and holding power to account.

www.atscloud.co.uk/thesmartlist...

#journojobs #journalismjobs
Local Democracy Reporter for Fife/Clackmannanshire:Fife *
www.atscloud.co.uk
March 10, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Watch the bizarre moment zebras dance across dangerous Sheffield road where families take their lives in their hands

That's one way to raise awareness of an issue and I'm all for it🕺🦓
www.thestar.co.uk/news/politic...
‘It shouldn’t be a lottery’ - a dazzle of zebras campaign for safe road crossing near Sheffield school
Parents and community members have had enough of near misses at a “notoriously” dangerous junction near a Sheffield primary school so they asked for help from a dazzle of dancing zebras to send a mess...
www.thestar.co.uk
February 5, 2025 at 11:59 AM
A selection of the latest front pages from our LDR reporters in the CityWorlds group, with National World's design hub working its magic✨

While digital is obviously the focus these days, the importance of LDRS copy to print can't be underestimated (plus I'm still a sucker for an actual newspaper)
February 3, 2025 at 1:07 PM
The local government restructure is in the news. Lots about Hampshire today and we've heard Worcestershire doesn't want to be with Herefordshire again (been there, done that, we won't want to be with them either...)

But from the archives....
January 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM
London: Woolwich locals have voiced their fears after a boy was stabbed to death on a bus.

Kelyan Bokassa's death comes days after another teen was stabbed in Prince Imperial Road.

A shop manager said everyone is scared and stabbings are a big issue.

www.londonworld.com/news/woolwic...
'Everyone is scared' - calls for more police as boy stabbed to death on London bus
Woolwich locals have called for a greater police presence following two teenagers being stabbed in the area in less than 24 hours.
www.londonworld.com
January 9, 2025 at 12:57 PM
East London: disgusting video shows rats scurrying around Stratford area where they have taken over🤢

📝Ruby Gregory

👉https://www.londonworld.com/watch-this/east-london-disgusting-video-shows-rats-scurrying-around-stratford-area-where-they-have-taken-over-4921003
January 2, 2025 at 2:20 PM
We're seeing the benefits of using more Local Democracy Reporting Service content on the London, Derby, Nottingham and Derby sites.

This one from Alexander Brock in Birmingham has topped the charts so far this week, a story featured on BBC Midlands Today.
www.birminghamworld.uk/news/the-27-...
The 27 roads having speed limits slashed - see the full list of those affected
Birmingham is set to slash almost all the city’s 40mph speed limits after a “road safety emergency” was declared following a spate of deaths.
www.birminghamworld.uk
November 20, 2024 at 9:09 PM
So this is my first post here but did someone say snow? A very wintry scene outside the home office window this morning, and it's still snowing🌨

I might go and make a snowman at lunchtime...
November 19, 2024 at 9:10 AM