TWO Fylde Coast magistrates are seriously considering resigning from the bench after receiving a letter containing guidelines concerning their social behaviour.

And other justices are actively considering their future after receiving the letter from their chief clerk's office.

It outlines what the clerk feels are organisations and individuals with whom the magistrates should not fraternise.

Many are taking the letter as a thinly veiled hint that they should not belong to secretive organisations such as the Freemasons. Organisations mentioned in the letter include the police, Crown Prosecution Service and members of the Law Society -- the area's solicitors. The letter has been sent in the run up to the festive period when magistrates get invited to social functions, and indeed send out invitations themselves.

One JP who has spent ten years giving up his time to sit at Blackpool Magistrates Court said: "I know that many magistrates are unhappy with this edict. My reaction was to throw the letter in the bin. I sit as a magistrate without reward and I feel that I am sensible enough to know where to draw the line when I socialise. Am I to be banned from going to a rugby match with a friend who happens to be a lawyer? Or would I cancel a game of bowls if I happen to be playing in a team with a police officer?

"If there has been instances of magistrates showing favours then, fair enough, they should be firmly reminded of their impartial role or be asked to stand down. But I do not believe there is any evidence of this."