A LOCAL authority is reducing the production of its magaizine from monthly to quartly.

Darlington Borough Council has said it will now only produce the ‘Town Crier' magazine four times a year because of new government guidance.

It is thought that the move will also reduce the costs associated with the magazine.

New mandatory guidance from the Department of Communities and Local Government states councils should not publish a magazine or newsletter more than four times a year.

However, some councils in London have warned that they will not comply with the guidance.

Darlington Borough Council has said the reduction will allow it an opportunity to review the way it communicates its services to its residents and to ensure the most cost-effective ways of communicating are in place.

Coun Bill Dixon, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: "It's a great shame that we have to end the monthly publication of the Town Crier.

"Residents have told us how useful it is and we've found it to be one of the best ways of keeping people up to date with information and news about council services.

"However, even with these changes, we will ensure that everyone continues to have access to good quality information about the services the council provides."

The next edition of the new quarterly edition of the 'Town Crier' will be due for distribution to households in October 2011.

Anyone with queries or feedback about the 'Town Crier', should e-mail town.crier@darlington.gov.uk or telephone 01325-388012.