PRESSURE is growing on cash-strapped Redbridge Council over its monthly freesheet after the Government announced a crackdown on what it describes as “town hall Pravdas”.

The council, which is struggling to find savings of more than £25million over the next three years, has already cut £25,000 from the £141,000 cost of Redbridge Life, but residents believe it should be axed altogether.

Eric Pickles, the minister for Communities and Local Government, has launched a public consultation on limiting council papers to four editions a year and preventing them praising the quality of local services.

He said: “The rules around council publicity have been too weak for too long allowing public money to be spent on frivolous town hall propaganda papers.”

Earlier this year, Tim Downes, 69, of Overton Drive in Wanstead, wrote to Mr Pickles demanding a ban on council magazines.

He said: “I think this is extremely encouraging news. I think people have been saying for quite some time that this is a waste of time and resources, and totally unnecessary.

“Unfortunately I have to pay my council tax whether it's a good council or a bad council. It's no good trying to persuade us they are doing good job. I haven't got any opportunity to choose who I can get my local services from.

Clive Power, of Aldersbrook Road, said: "On balance, I think restricting council newspapers is wrong - local democracy means that councils should decide on having a newspaper or not.

“Local authorities haven't helped themselves with their publicity rags that claim councils are near perfect, or have endless photos or write-ups about politicians up until near when they're due for re-election.

“But I hope the local press is trenchant in its questioning of public bodies and resists any temptation to just reproduce the guff found in council press releases; it's that same content that makes so many council newspapers such a poor read.”

A Redbridge Council spokeswoman said: “We are looking in detail at the government’s proposed guidelines on council publicity and we are also very aware of residents' concerns about the costs of Redbridge Life in the current economic climate.

“We have been considering all the options for keeping residents informed about services, and will make a decision about Redbridge Life shortly.

“Finding cheaper ways to keep residents informed is our priority.”

Do you think Redbridge Life is a good use of your taxes? Or do you think it should be cut in the council's bid to save money?

Contact Guardian reporter James Ranger on 07795 316 211, or email jranger@london.newsquest.co.uk.