YOU report that Bolton Council has a bill for £1.5 million, thanks to the 450 claims for accident compensations in the last financial year.

I wonder if this figure includes the cost of council officials having to deal with the claims?

I wonder, especially, how much of the £1.5m finished up with the accident sufferers, and how much went to the legal advisers?

There is no doubt that the constant increase in legal charges is becoming a burden on the community, that many taxpayers cannot afford. It is getting out of hand, although seldom criticised by the media. I read recently that an advocate charges £42 per hour.

You have recently printed two letters from me in support of your wonderful campaign to keep the Bolton Magistrates Court open. I wonder if anyone has calculated the additional legal costs of people using the court if they have to go to Bury --prosecution, defence and other local costs?

Obviously if lawyers have to spend more time in travelling to court, legitimately they will pass this cost on to their clients, plus a change for the extra time spent.

Maybe the workers in the legal profession will welcome the change. Have any complained?

If any of your readers have not signed the BEN petition against the closure they should be ashamed of themselves. Can I appeal to them to make the effort!

Has anyone worked out the extra costs to the council taxpayer if the closure takes place?

George K Brown

Barncroft Road

Farnworth, Bolton