STOP press – how ironic that controversial plans to introduce a monthly municipal news bugle are now making headlines.

I read the news today in my Wirral Globe that the Conservative members have given their own 21-gun salute to such an idea.

They demand a "call-in for scrutiny on the ruling Labour cabinet’s decision to go for a monthly publication".

Various people have contacted the Inferno to tell me they were asked about whether council news was reaching them effectively.

But all defected on the question of is a monthly newspaper the answer?

The council defend their decision because it would be "value for money", allow them to bring in advertising revenue and in the process plug their New Brighton Pavilion shows.

But what is wrong with expanding the website?

Can one of their consultants look at ways in which social media and more one-stop shops convey the council's communications?

None of which should be political in any shape or form.

Going against the Department of Communities and Local Government guidelines that a council should only publish such organs quarterly could be a costly business for the council as Greenwich discovered with a £47,000 bill for legal fees.

This column praises and criticises the council in equal measure.

It is called free speech and opinion.

Would a council-run paper feature its mistakes and failings readily?

Having worked on various publications in my career, I was always writing what the respective council wanted readers to hear.

I believed then as I do now that if a council wants to produce a newspaper it should be an all-party publication.

Facts and figures packed with information about council services and where the money is being spent.

If the council go ahead with a monthly paper, I suggest a title. How about Transparency Times – surely all councillors would agree?

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HERE'S a special request for DJ Kev Seed.

Former Radio City broadcaster Kev, who recently joined Wirral Radio, presenting weekend shows, has had a stroke at the age of 48.

Maverick Kev has not had the best of rides in his 30-year-plus career as a pilot of the airwaves, having crashed landed in the news a few times.

One April Fool's Day he announced "Steps would be outside St George's Hall."

Fans of the pop group who had driven over to Liverpool were not amused when they were greeted by ... er, steps.

A tragedy indeed.

And only Kev could use valuable airtime with Tony Blair on an election campaign asking him "what colour underpants" he wore.

Mr B declined this under-the-belt probing.

So here's to a speedy recovery, Seedy.

The Jeremy Paxman of pop.

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ONCE upon a time, university debating societies were the breeding ground for politicians.

Politics is now actually a breeding ground for our elected members to pursue careers in showbusiness.

Reality shows are a lucrative cash cow.

Anne Widdecombe and Michael Portillo are just two names who would now rather be seen in The Radio Times than the politics pages of The Sunday Times.

Next on the circuit is former Tory MP Edwina Currie, who will be doing an audience-type show, Tales from the Jungle, at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on September 23.

The only person who rendered spicy Mrs Currie speechless was the much-missed Caroline Aherne on her Mrs Merton chatshow.

Mrs Merton: "Do you know who loves you and finds you fascinating?"

Puzzled looking Edwina: "Who?"

Mrs Merton: "YOU!".

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AND finally – congratulations to Wirral ambassadors Overchurch Junior School, who have performed at Number 10 Downing Street with their contribution to Shakespeare Schools Festival.

And what an apt, timely piece of work they chose to entertain the battle-scarred outgoing Tory leader and prime minister David Cameron – Julius Caesar.

Peter Grant