[2] It is based in Southport on Merseyside, and was quickly recognised by the National Union of Journalists as well as other media groups,[3] authorities and organizations as a newspaper.
The idea started when Patrick Trollope[6][7] decided to use unpublished news as a single page on a website called Formby Online, run by Andy Johnson, over 1998 and 1999, after studying at Wolverhampton University.
[9] The interest shown during 1999 helped the idea develop quicker, but produced bandwidth restriction problems by the end of 1999.
[22] After Liverpool's run as European Capital of Culture 2008, tourism was at an all-time high in the area, so by 2009, questions within the Merseyside's community were being asked about the city's next steps.
[28] The event showcased seven UK award-winning authors including those who were published in the book: Jon Mayhew, Tommy Donbavand, Barry Hutchison,[29] Philip Caveney, Joseph Delaney and David Gatward.
[31] In 2013 the group started backing the Liverpool JCI[32] as part of their aim to use the online paper to help development and improve the area's image.
With all the developments on the Press Regulator side, some are asking what the next move will be for this group, who are also now going under the name PBT Media Relations Ltd.[46]