THE decision on the future of Bolton Magistrates Court was due to be announced today.

Greater Manchester Magistrates Courts Committee is due to reveal if Bolton's courthouse will be shut down, refurbished, or replaced by a completely new building.

Nine committee members were due to meet at Manchester Magistrates Court today to hear if a rescue package had been accepted by the Lord Chancellor's office.

If the decision is to close the court, the historic Le Mans Crescent building -- used for 65 years -- could be shut by December and all cases switched to Bury Magistrates Court.

Bolton Council would then have one month to appeal to the Lord Chancellor.

More than 21,000 campaigners have signed a Bolton Evening News petition urging GMMCC officials to think again.

And today Janet Taylor, chairman of Bolton's magistrates bench, issued an 11th hour plea to save the courts.

She said: "The response against this plan has been incredible. We have the support of everyone. I would urge the GMMCC to consider these views as Bolton must have a magistrates court."

Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon said he was optimistic about the outcome.

"I don't think the court will close, somehow it will keep going whether by refurbishment or a new building. I am quite confident."

A GMMCC spokeswoman said: "A definite outcome will be decided at the meeting."

Senior police officers, leading Bolton solicitors, and Crown Prosecution and Witness Service bosses all say closing the courthouse would spell "the end of local justice."

THE decision on the future of Bolton Magistrates Court was due to be announced today.

Greater Manchester Magistrates Courts Committee is due to reveal if Bolton's courthouse will be shut down, refurbished, or replaced by a completely new building.

Nine committee members were due to meet at Manchester Magistrates Court to hear if a rescue package had been accepted by the Lord Chancellor's office.

If the decision is to close the court, the historic Le Mans Crescent building -- used for 65 years -- could be shut by December and all cases switched to Bury Magistrates Court.

Bolton Council would then have one month to appeal to the Lord Chancellor.

More than 21,000 campaigners have signed a Bolton Evening News petition urging GMMCC officials to think again.

And today Janet Taylor, chairman of Bolton's magistrates bench, issued an 11th hour plea to save the courts.

She said: "The response against this plan has been incredible. We have the support of everyone. I would urge the GMMCC to consider these views as Bolton must have a magistrates court." Bolton South East MP Brian Iddon said he was optimistic about the outcome.

"I don't think the court will close, somehow it will keep going whether by refurbishment or a new building. I am quite confident."

A GMMCC spokeswoman said: "A definite outcome will be decided at the meeting."