Politicians may rail against the national press but, in general, they show a warm appreciation for weekly newspapers.
The latest manifestation of this local press love-in involves the Teesdale Mercury, the paper that serves the Barnard Castle area in County Durham.
In yesterday's Commons debate on the future of the Forestry Commission, Labour's Bishop Auckland MP, Helen Goodman, spoke of "the inestimable Teesdale Mercury" for its campaign to prevent a local forest, Hamsterley, from being sold off.
The paper's "Hands off Hamsterley" campaign, which was launched last Wednesday, is aimed at retaining full public access to County Durham's largest forest.
In praising the paper, Goodman said: "Why should people pay for what they already own? The forest is a place for free spirits. Those spirits will not quenched by this pathetic, mean, small-minded government."
Teesdale Mercury's chief reporter Trevor Brookes said that, despite assurances, there is no guarantee "in the small print" that the public will retain access following a sale.
Editor Adrian Braddy added: "Since launching the campaign we have been inundated with letters of support from readers."
