The Grimsby Telegraph has taken its right to reply after coming under fire from a council leader who said the paper was "dragging the area down".

North East Lincolnshire Council leader Andrew De Freitas made the comments during a cabinet meeting earlier this week, where he also accused the paper of "dwelling on tragedy and violence".

He told the meeting: "I suppose they do it because they think that's the way to sell more newspapers."

But the Telegraph has now hit back with a 1,600-word article which focuses on the many different ways that the paper supports the community, and included comments from some of those who have been helped by the paper.

Editor Michelle Lalor told readers: "Coun De Freitas' attack on the Telegraph was uncalled for and without foundation.

"The Grimsby Telegraph is here to report the news. If that is bad, then we have a duty to report it - unbiased - to its readers.

"It is not the fault of the paper if an area has problems - perhaps those in authority should look at the root cause instead of shooting the messenger!"

Coun De Freitas' criticisms came after the Telegraph ran a story revealing that a further £5m deficit had been found in the council's accounts since the start of the summer and that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was continuing to keep a close eye on its financial management.

The councillor claimed the article was untrue, but the Telegraph reported that an officer of the ODPM who was present at the cabinet meeting had read its report and concluded that it was accurate and based on material contained within the council's own agenda.

Michelle said: "I think it was an excuse to launch an attack on the paper.

"His comments were unfair and judging by our double-page article there are lots of people who agree."

Coun De Freitas was unavailable for comment.

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