We are the eyes and ears of our readers but we also rely on the people within the community to flag up the issues that need our scrutiny.

To illustrate how a concern from a member of the public becomes aired in the pages of the newspaper, it is worth following the cycle of a story from beginning to end.

On Monday, May 9, Zoe Shears of Holme Wood got in contact with the T&A via our website – telegraphand argus.co.uk – which provided her with an e-mail link to the newsdesk.

Zoe wrote to us: “I was wondering if you could help me. My daughter attends St John’s School in Bierley and every morning we have to walk to school via Shetcliffe Lane. This is where the problems start…”

Zoe and other parents were worried about the number of parked cars that were half on the pavement, creating obstacles for children.

This is exactly the type of issue we feel needs highlighting at the T&A and our multi-media content manager Martin Heminway passed Zoe’s details on to reporter Ben Barnett, who deals with school and education issues.

Ben’s first stop was to call Zoe to get more details about the problem and to organise a photograph to illustrate the story. He agreed a time and a place with her and photographer Anthony McMillan snapped Zoe and her daughter Sinead on the busy road in question.

For more information, Ben then called St John’s School to find out how much of a problem this was and whether other parents had complained. He learned that although measures such as speed bumps and bollards had been put into place, the pavement parking remained a problem.

Because we like to come at a story from as many angles and opinions as possible, Ben also canvassed the thoughts of local ward councillor Michael Johnson, who pledged to press Bradford Council for action.

And our last port of call was the Council itself, initially lodging a request for information and a statement with the press office, who contacted the relevant department and provided answers to Ben’s questions. From the Council came a promise to monitor the situation and to liaise with the school.

The story was then written and published in yesterday’s T&A, highlighting the issue, recording the Council’s pledge to monitor the situation and – hopefully – reminding those people who do park their cars on Shetcliffe Lane to perhaps be a little more thoughtful.

Local journalism in action!

‘Papers an important local ingredient’

Michel Roux Jr, two-star Michelin chef and television personality writes: Like a robust local newspaper, good local food and produce lie at the heart of a strong local community.

Vibrant local restaurants, pubs, cafes and producers act as catalysts for the local economy, bringing money into the area and creating jobs and other opportunities for residents.

But the value of a vibrant local food scene goes beyond economics. Good food often brings people together simply for the pleasure of sharing a good meal together. And that allows strong community links and friendships to be forged and maintained.

By publicising and championing local business, local papers play a vital role in keeping local communities strong, economically and socially.

They run news stories, features, campaigns and events which highlight the achievements of local businesses and organisations, and that is why I am supporting Local Newspaper Week this year.

As well as supporting local business, local papers also play a key role in highlighting charitable causes such as Visually Impaired Children Taking Action which I am involved with.

By doing this, local papers encourage people to get involved and give up their time to make a real difference.