PRESTON Borough Council is one of 40 local authorities to pledge support for the government's planned Community Legal Service.

The council will help develop the service, which aims to bring grassroots legal help and advice to the public.

Preston will play a key part in developing the best practice blueprint for a partnership, which will be a forum for the local authority to co-operate with the Legal Aid Board and other key backers in planning legal and advice services, encouraging the development of referral arrangements and ensure local people have access to the service.

The borough was chosen as an Associate Pioneer because it already takes an active responsibility for funding advice providers in their area and ensuring that it achieves value for money.

Lord Irvine, the Lord Chancellor, who announced Preston's involvement this week, said: "The local authorities which have been selected to act as Associate Pioneers reflect a diversity of areas and experiences.

"I am delighted that my proposals for a Community Legal Service have received such a positive response."

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