At a time when transparency in local government is needed most, the announcement of further redundancies at the Northern Echo should set alarm bells ringing.
It is said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. While this might not strictly apply to disease control it is most certainly the case when it comes to politics.
There is growing concern among Darlington people that decisions taken in their name are not always in their best interests. More concerningly, there is a spreading feeling that consultations with residents have become merely paper exercises with decisions having already been taken behind closed doors.
The Northern Echo has a proud heritage of serving the people of Darlington and beyond and while they cannot please all of the people all of the time they have undertaken journalistic investigations of significant importance. The bungling of the pedestrian heart contract and the Crown Street Library campaign being just two that spring to mind.
There is hope that independent, citizen journalism may fill the void left as regional papers shrink but unless that enthusiasm is coupled with professionalism and resources the scrutiny required to keep civic society honest will be missing.
Newsquest has been honest in saying these redundancies are down to cost cutting and shrinking of print circulation is not news. However, Darlington people should ask themselves, who do you trust to supply you with balanced information about your home town? Does billionaire Mark Zuckerberg really have your best interests at heart?
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. When it comes to Darlington, perhaps the price of freedom is an online subscription to this newspaper.
Matthew Snedker
Darlington Green Party
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