Dear Sir,

Further to the letter from Ron Eyley last week I can only endorse his views on the importance of Newton News, our local free press. On listening to coverage of the recent tragedy at Grenfell Tower, locals specifically mentioned the absence of local free press. Not everyone in these areas has access to social media and locals have little access to local politics and therefore little ability to influence those decisions made by the local council. It made me think that we should never take for granted the excellent service provided by the Howarth family to the people  of the  Newton Aycliffe area over many years. Although living in  Darlington I still like to get hold of my weekly edition. Long may it continue.

Darren Clarke