LOCAL solicitors might refuse to represent clients if Leigh County Court closes.

Economics and inconvenience could force Leigh lawyers to turn-down cases if they have to travel to Wigan or Bolton to do so.

The fear comes in the light of the current Court Service survey underway at Walmesley Road.

It is part of a review which could see a court house shake-up as the Service seeks to concentrate on central Manchester facilities.

And a senior Leigh solicitor has voiced his doubts in the light of the court study.

John Bullough from Widdows Mason told The Journal: "Leigh solicitors may decide they can't represent clients if it means travelling to Wigan or Bolton.

"The economics and time scale may prevent us from doing so.

"To have to travel to those towns is so inconvenient for court users and their representatives. And the court staff at Leigh are most helpful."

The court survey runs until July 16 after which results will be studied and a decision made on whether to take further action.

Wigan Council and the Citizens' Advice Bureau have already expressed their concern.

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