Local opposition is mounting to recent proposals by the Ministry of Justice which set out to close the County Court at Leigh and move all services to Wigan.
Wigan Council, Leigh Township Forum and local MP for Leigh, Andy Burnham have together approached the Ministry of Justice and suggested an alternative proposition which explores the feasibility of delivering County Court services from Leigh Town Hall.
Cllr. Charles Rigby, Joint Chair of Leigh Township Forum, says:
“By working in partnership, we have come up with a proposal that not only delivers efficiency savings for the Ministry of Justice, but also keeps County Court services accessible for the people of Leigh and the surrounding area.
“Leigh Township Forum, Leigh Area Manager’s Group and Wigan Council have all submitted their comments and reasons for objecting to the proposal to close the County Court in Leigh for good. The Council has now invited the Ministry to open talks which could meet all party’s objectives.”
Co-Chair of the Forum, Pam Stewart, adds:
“Leigh County Court has been serving the people of Leigh and surrounding areas for many years. Moving this vital service to Wigan would deny them convenience and accessibility, as well as adding to travelling time and costs.
“The court deals with many types of cases, including rent and mortgage arrears. People involved in these are already experiencing financial difficulties, so moving the service to Wigan will only add to their financial burden and may even deter some from lodging that all-important appeal.
I’m really pleased that Wigan Council has supported Leigh Township Forum in asking the Ministry of Justice to reconsider their proposal to withdraw County Court Services from Leigh.”
Lord Smith, Leader of the Council, says:
“The proposal to deliver County Court services from Leigh Town Hall would require all Leigh councillors to give up their current office accommodation, which all have agreed to do if it means we can keep this service accessible to local people.
“I know our MP, Andy Burnham, has also been in contact with the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon. Jack Straw, to champion our proposal.
“I am confident that together we can deliver a win/win outcome for all parties involved.”
