Councillor says council paper is 'threat' to press

Interesting post on Local Government Association website from a local councillor commenting on the LGA's submission to the OFT which claims council publications are "not a threat" to local press.
Coun. Barbara Matthews posted: "Certainly our publication in Havering (called 'Living') has proved a great threat to our local newspaper (The Romford Recorder). It is produced fortnightly and now includes public notices rather than paying to have them printed in the local paper. As a local councillor, there have been a more than a few times when I have been at odds with our local paper's headlines, but it is the only borough-wide independent scrutineer and it is sad that our council prefers to go into competition with it rather than work with it. "
Council publications no rival to local press.