BOLTON'S three MPs have been accused of playing a part in the possible closure of the town's magistrates courts.

At a council meeting Cllr John Walsh blamed MPs Ruth Kelly, Dr Brian Iddon and David Crausby for the situation.

He said they had backed legislation which led to the setting up of a single magistrates court committee for the whole of Greater Manchester.

But members of opposing parties branded him a "disgrace" for his comments and said he had "stooped as low as he could go".

Cllr Walsh said: "Part five of The 1999 Access to Justice Bill, which is now an act, provided for a simple order to set up a single magistrates court committee for the whole of Greater Manchester.

"That was voted for by three Labour MPs -- they did not oppose it. The issue was raised that it might mean the loss of local justice, but they were assured by the minister that it would not. This has proved to be incorrect.

"These three MPs, Brian Iddon, Ruth Kelly and David Crausby, all voted for it. I think we should know the facts and it is an important to know how we came to arrive in this situation."

All three MPs are now backing councillors in their unanimous wish to keep the court.

But Cllr Walsh said: "Although they were assured local justice would not be lost, ignorance is no defence."

His remarks astounded other councillors who said they thought it was not the time or the place.

Labour Cllr Peter Johnston said: "We can have nothing but contempt for the grubby little way he has attempted to smear the MPs names."

Council Leader Cllr Bob Howarth, also Labour, said: "I am sorry that Cllr Walsh has brought this up. He does have a reputation for carefully selecting his information."

If plans to close the court go ahead, justice will be dispensed from courts in surrounding areas such as Bury, Trafford, Wigan and Manchester. Concerns raised included a reduction in police on the beat, hardship for witnesses forced to travel further and no segregation between them and defendants who may have to travel on the same public transport.

Cllr Howarth added: "Local justice means something. The people sitting in judgement are local people who know the area. Can you imagine all the time and trouble if you have to go to Bury or Wigan? It is not just the defendant, it is the police, lawyers, witnesses and so on."

He called the proposal to close the court "silly" and "unacceptable" and said it was time to concentrate on partnership with the magistrates.

Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly said she was "surprised" at Cllr Walsh's comments, adding: "It was the Tories who consistently denied ordinary people access to justice."

She said the Conservatives had, while in office, cut legal aid eligibility by 20 per cent and in 1993 also cut more than 25 per cent of the population out of the Green Form scheme which gave people an hour's free legal advice.

She added: "I believe there is a strong case for Bolton Magistrates Court and have already stated that case in a letter to the Lord Chancellor's department.

"The consultation period regarding these proposals commences next month and I will continue to put these views forward."

The BEN is running a campaign in a bid to keep the courts open in Bolton. Copies of a petition, which will be sent to the Lord Chancellor, are available in the BEN's reception.