LEIGH'S three magistrates' courts cost just over £45 a day to run.

But top bosses want to close the Chapel Street courthouse to save money and transfer sittings to Wigan.

This week, the chairman of Leigh's magistrates vowed to fight the moves which would end 100 years of justice in the town.

Mr Dennis Dunn told The Journal the Magistrates' Courts Committee proposal hit at the "fabric of life in Leigh".

Now he intends calling a meeting of his magistrates and lobbying four local MPs for their support.

Solicitors, police bosses, probation staff and magistrates are also being consulted by the North and West Greater Manchester MCC over streamlining the judicial system in Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Middleton, Heywood, Salford and Leigh.

"I am opposed to the closure, or the consultation proposal, not because I am concerned about being part of Wigan because we already do a lot of joint work with our colleagues there, but because our magistrates provide local justice.

"The question I want answering is 'How will this improve local justice in Leigh?'. I don't think it will."

Mr Dunn said local justice had been administered in the town for over 100 years and criticised the eight-week consultation which already gave timescales for closure.

"My view of consultation is that this sort of thing comes from consultation not at the beginning of it."

Mr Dunn said he understand the financial imperative that has forced this issue. "But I believe Leigh gives fantastic value for money. The proposal say the MCC will save £140 a court day. We have three courts sitting each court day. That's just over £45 a court.

"Isn't that a very cheap price to pay for something which is important to the fabric of the community."

Mr Dunn added that he worried about the message closing the court would give out to "certain elements in the town - those who are reported week by week in the Journal's columns."

Now Mr Dunn is to consult with his colleagues and call a meeting before the end of the month.

"We will fight this. This is about supporting local justice in Leigh and maintaining the fabric of our community. I will be making as formal response to the MCC," said Mr Dunn.

Clerk to the Magistrates, Mr Jim Haydock, said it would be "inappropriate" for him to comment on the consultation document.

The consultation document highlights lack of adequate security and refreshments among the reasons to close the Leigh courthouse.

Closure was a "regrettable but practical proposal" which would increase flexibility, reduce staff travelling time but improve facilities for court users. It would save £37,100.

The MCC add they believe in the principle of delivering local justice.

"However, in the past Ministers have defined the Government's view of local justice as courthouse provision within a 25 mile radius or one hours travelling by public transport."

Consultation continues to January 3, 2000 with closure on April 1, 2000.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.