XML : local.xml not working in Magento 1.9.2.2 RWD

I use Magento 1.9.2.2 with RWD package.
Seems that local.xml is not working.
If I copy the original catalog.xml to the directory with the local.xml, changes on catalog.xml are effectuated.

This is the code of the local.xml:

  <?xml version="1.0"?>  <layout version="0.1.0">    <!--  Default layout, loads most of the pages  -->    <default>      <!-- remove the language and store switcher and footer links blocks, we won't use them -->      <remove name="store_language" />      <remove name="store_switcher"/>      <remove name="footer_links" />  </default>    <default>  <reference name="right">  <remove name="catalog.compare.sidebar" />  <remove name="left.reports.product.viewed" />  <remove name="catalog.product.related" />  </reference>  </default>    

Maybe I have placed the local.xml in the wrong place?

Hope anybody has a clue,
Els