Okay, Okay, I am not always the first to the barricades for a "local" campaign, nor to fight against food miles. David Boyle and the New Economics Foundation do not always represent my personal strand in liberalism.

But the Publican is reporting a campaign that gets my full support.

No-one will need reminding of the gradual decline of the high street and local services - including pubs. But what you may not know is that pressure is growing for a new slab of legislation which could help reverse the trend. And it’s a campaign which needs your help.

The Campaign for Real Ale, the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and Pub is the Hub are among more than 80 national organisations which have ranked behind the Local Works campaign to help preserve local communities.

Originally set up by independent think-tank the New Economics Foundation, the initiative is being run by some seasoned political campaigners. The campaign is lobbying hard for the introduction of the Sustainable Communities Bill, a possible piece of legislation put forward by Liberal Democrat shadow treasury secretary and MP for Falmouth and Cambourne in Cornwall, Julia Goldsworthy, earlier this year.

The campaign received the backing of Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell at the Lib Dem conference in Brighton last month.

The aim of the initiative is for it to be tabled as a Private Members’ Bill in the House of Commons on November 23, when five MPs are given the chance to table their own legislation, and that it becomes law next year. But as the Lib Dem Conference proved, Local Works is already succeeding in putting the issue firmly on the political agenda.

Saving the local boozer is the sort of campaign that grabs my attention. This is what Julia Goldsworth has to say

“There are many towns and villages in Cornwall whose community life is being threatened by the growth in second homes and out-of-town shopping centres. This bill would empower those communities to tackle the problems they face,” the MP told The Publican.

“It could make a huge difference to small businesses - including pubs. I’m lucky enough to have three in the village in Cornwall where I live, and they serve a wide selection of local beers. For many people they are an important social focus for their community. Along with local shops and post offices, they play a vital role in sustaining communities.”

I may be an economic liberal, but I have the beard if not the sandals, and I´m fond of a pint or two of real ale. I´d like to the lib dem petition engine get behind this campaign.

(Update: And if this is not a dogwhistle campaign for us, I don´t know what is!)