Dear Campaigners

As you are all fine, up-standing citizens who care about local democracy, I thought this news might be of interest.

I am preparing to launch a hyper local news website for Chelsea. It will be called The Chelsea Citizen. As well as writing about all-things Chelsea, it will also cover its immediate neighbours - Kensington, Fulham and Battersea. On occasion, it may even dip a polished Brioni toe-cap into Belgravia.

In 2025, I will chalk up 40 years in journalism. In all this time, I have never stopped believing in the importance of this profession. The need for a strong local press is more vital than ever because so many newspapers have already closed, or are withering on the web.  

Getting coverage about my campaigns in the media has been integral to their success. I doubt there would be a crossing over Battersea Bridge now if it had not been for the media sparking attention and momentum. Equally, the journalism I have initiated recently about One Battersea Bridge has put a controversial planning application fully on the media radar. Imagine if the only way of finding out about such a thing had been from the singular A4 Planning App notice the council put up on a bridge lamppost.

The Chelsea Citizen will be a dynamic website, full of great stories and features that support the community. I hope that it will also become a powerful platform to help residents fight local issues. It will work closely with councils - whilst being ready to hold them to account. 

I simply cannot do this venture alone, so a Kickstarter campaign to raise £60,000 begins on Monday. This will pay a tech company to design and build a state-of-the-art website and app and to commission journalists to help me develop the launch content. I explain more about the plan in my 'Story' on Kickstarter.

I appreciate that no-one really welcomes a "Sponsor my park run" (!) email from a distant acquaintance - but it would be amazing if some of you can support the fund. Even a modest donation guarantees that your name will go on the 'Founders' page. How often do you get to help start a local newspaper in this day and age!?

But, if donating is not possible, then please forward my note to your network and help spread the word.

You can register your interest in The Chelsea Citizen by emailing: editor@thechelseacitizen.com. 

Local journalism matters! I hope you can climb aboard and read all about it.

Best Wishes

Rob McGibbon