Local MPs and councillors have reacted positively to news that Prime Minister Theresa May is launching a review to look at the future of the newspaper industry.

The Prime Minister announced a review into the future of the newspaper industry during a speech in Manchester. She warned that the closure of hundreds of titles was a “danger to our democracy”.

Mrs May said the review would be looking into sustainable funding models for the printed press at national, regional and local level.

Totnes MP Dr Sarah Wollaston supported the Prime Minister. She said: “Long live our local press. We need them to be there reporting on the news and events across our communities, binding us together and holding local and national leaders to account.”

Devon South West Gary Streeter MP said: “I am a huge fan of local newspapers, which are trusted by people and part of the fabric of the community. I do not believe that social media can ever replace it, as the source for social media is rarely known and rarely local.

“I hope we will all continue to support the local paper for many years to come and Government is right to explore ways to do so.”

Cllr Alan Connett, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at Devon County Council, said: “There’s nothing like a good read. And local newspapers cover it all... from the school sports days to Olympic success, from council news to court room drama. It’s all there, at the turn of a page.

“And what’s more, it’s written by an independent, impartial reporter looking for the best, newsiest way to present what’s happening locally to local people. Social media has its place and is enjoyed by millions, but there’s nothing quite like your local newspaper.”

Cllr Keith Baldry, Lib-Dem leader of the opposition at South Hams District Council, said: “I agree with the implication of Mrs May’s comments. Print newspapers are an important part of local information.

“Nowadays the printed weekly is supplemented by internet sites and social media.

“But it is the printed paper which has the ability to develop longer reports and engage with its readers. We are lucky in this geographical area to still have the weekly newspaper. I regret the loss of a free newspaper in my village.”

Cllr John Hart, leader of Devon County Council, said: “As a councillor, I am elected by my residents to do a job for them. A strong local press keeps an eye on public services and public servants and lets the voters know what is being done in their name. I believe a strong and independent local press is a vital component of a healthy democracy.”

Local newspapers have been in decline in recent years, hit by a rise in free online content, different advertising ideas and a loss of interest from investors, leading to a net loss of 198 local newspapers since 2005, according to Press Gazette.

In a book called ‘Local Journalism, the decline of newspapers and the rise of digital media’, editor Rasmus Kleis Nielsen says: “From small rural communities covered by weeklies to larger towns covered by their own daily, newspapers have been an integral part of local life, and their journalists have chronicled events from the mundane to the monumental, publicised local debates, and kept a more or less watchful eye on those in positions of power.”