THE closure of Bolton's magistrates courts would spell disaster for a bid for city status, a top solicitor claims.

And it would be a "sad day" in marking an end to local justice, solicitor Andrew Cresswell fears.

Last month the BEN revealed that cost-cutting proposals could result in the closure of the Howell Croft courts and the transfer of cases to other towns.

One magistrate claimed plans to reshuffle jobs, resulting in a huge pay-off to the bench's clerk, Alex Carlos, would herald "the end of local justice for local people".

Transfer

Now fears of closure have been further heightened after solicitor Mr Cresswell revealed that Bolton lawyers have been asked what cases could be transferred to Bury magistrates court.

The transfer of selected cases could start in September, he revealed.

And Mr Cresswell, who works for Garstangs solicitors, fears that any court closure would destroy any hopes of Bolton becoming a city.

He said: "It would dilute arguments that Bolton should be granted city status, but most importantly it would place an obstacle in the way of a person trying to gain access to justice."

Talking about possible closure, he added: "Those fears have been heightened as lawyers in Bolton have now been asked to provide the Clerk to the Justices with their views on the most appropriate type of work to be transferred to Bury court.

"Not only will the transfer of work create problems for those charged with offences and for the police ensuring that they appear before court, but also for victims of crime who are requested to attend court to give evidence."

Bolton has twice lost out in the fight to become a city, but in February council chiefs said the town would re-enter the fray next year when the Queen celebrates her Golden Jubilee and is expected to create more cities.

Cllr Guy Harkin, deputy leader of Bolton Council, hit out at the possibility that the magistrates courts could close.

He said: "I don't know how city status is determined. It is a very arcane and secret process which is not transparent.

"Bolton is much bigger than many cities in the country, such as Chester, York and Carlisle. Our view is very simple -- we need a magistrates court in the centre of Bolton."

Fears for the courts' future came after the Greater Manchester Magistrates Courts Committee tabled plans to save £600,000 a year and a corporate plan in which members refused to rule out court closures.

The documents, leaked to the BEN, include plans for Alex Carlos, clerk to the justices, to be given a huge pay-off, and a senior legal adviser and court manager to be employed instead.

Last month a courts committee spokesman said proposals did not mean courts would close and insisted senior staff would be employed at each magistrates court.