BOLTON magistrates have given their verdict on a historic ruling into who wears the trousers in the town's court buildings. For years some Bolton women magistrates have battled to be allowed to wear smart trousers in court, only to have their case thrown out.

But after much behind the scenes lobbying, a secret ballot at a recent magistrates meeting decided women could cover their legs for the first time and wear trousers as they sit in judgement on others.

Bolton's magistrates have always had a strict dress code to ensure the court retains its dignity.

But when magistrate Eve Walker joined the bench 11 years ago she could not believe she would not be allowed to wear smart trousers as an alternative to skirts or dresses.

"I suppose in 1988 I was surprised but didn't feel it was an issue worth fighting for," she said.

But four years ago she began a campaign to allow women the option of trousers. "My argument was that we were allowed to make an important decision regarding people's liberty but we were not allowed to police our own dress," said Mrs Walker.

However, she faced opposition, including some from other women magistrates.

"There was a mixed response. I suppose some people thought it was the thin end of the wedge," she said.

But she was determined that in a modern society where trouser wearing by professional women is common place, Bolton magistrates should follow suit.

"It is only 20 or 30 years ago that female magistrates had to wear hats and gloves. We have now been dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century," said a delighted Mrs Walker.

She believes magistrates were swayed in favour of trousers at their recent meeting by the fact that several smartly dressed women happened to turn up wearing them. Mrs Walker also made the point that the wearing of trousers might encourage more Muslim women to apply to become justices of the peace.

Magistrates debated the issue for 20 minutes before finally voting to change their dress code - although jeans and casual wear will still be ruled out!

But despite her victory and jokingly telling her fellow magistrates at the meeting that "this is the last time you will see my legs", Mrs Walker has not yet opted for trousers when sitting on the bench.

"I shall be wearing a trouser suit when I wish to," she said.

"To my mind it is just a question of choice. At the end of the day we should be judged on the job we do, not what we are wearing."

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