IT is one of the unwritten rules of journalism that you should only launch campaigns which you expect to win.

We believe, however, that this is one of those rules more honoured in the breach than in the observance.

Among the Echo’s most notable successes have been campaigns we led that helped to bring down waiting times for cardiac cases, won compensation for the victims' of Thalidomide, and brought train manufacture back to our region.

We have secured changes in the law and helped to safeguard historic paintings that were at risk of leaving our region for good.

It is also worth mentioning we have backed a fair number of doomed causes too, but in the process succeeded in thrusting some important issues into the spotlight that would otherwise have struggled for publicity.

And this is the key point - one of the most important roles of any regional newspaper is to be a positive force in the local community.

The campaign to save a vital community asset in Darlington is one such example.

The Northern Echo launched the Save Crown Street Library campaign in a bid to retain library services within the building that was donated by the Pease family to the residents of the town 131 years ago. The campaign is not politically motivated, rather is highlights widespread concern for the Almost 7,000 of you have signed our petition. Some issues touch a nerve and this is undoubtedly one of those campaigns that has stirred up passions. No Labour or Conservative party councillors have stated their support for the campaign or their intention to sign one of the coupons we have been printing in the paper for the last few weeks.

Some appear to be by party politics, others have asked for more time to consider the matter.

But time is running out as today is final day of public consultation over the proposed £12.5m cuts package that threatens the library as well as a host of public services from street cleaning to health.

Whatever the outcome we believe it is important that local newspapers continue to be an independent voice.

Sometimes it is better to do the right thing now and face the consequences later.