A survey suggesting levels of volunteering are at a ten-year low has been slammed by a local media magnate.
According to the annual Citizenship Survey, just 39 per cent of people took part in some form of volunteering over the past year. This represents the lowest level since 2001.
Also, only around 33 per cent of people took part in civic events such as petitions or demonstrations - again the lowest level in ten years.
The decline is seen in some circles as a setback for Prime Minister David Cameron's 'Big Society' agenda.
But the figures have been challenged by west London media chief Ellis Ian Fields, head of EIF News & Features.
In a rare statement, issued from the lounge of the Tabard Inn, Chiswick, today Dr Fields complained: "What a load of rubbish! My boys and girls are 'volunteering' and providing a free community service all the time.
"Do these idiots think we get paid for the quality journalism provided to informative community news web sites like TheSpoof? We don't get a penny from this aspect of our work.
"I don't know about that Col Juan News Service, you'd had have to ask that boss-eyed bint who works for him."
