They want to block plans to ditch council advertising from local papers such as your Journal and Gazette.

If the Scottish Government went ahead with its plans it would save local councils millions of pounds – but restrict important adverts such as planning notices, road closures and job vacancies to internet searches only.

It could also put the future of the local newspaper industry under threat.

At the moment local councils are obliged to advertise such matters in the local press. The government wants to relax the rules, and give them the option of using the internet instead.

Linlithgow MSP Mary Mulligan and Bo'ness MSP Cathy Peattie voted in favour of keeping the status quo.

For more information see this week's Journal and Gazette out on February 5, 2010.

editorial@journalandgazette.co.uk