BOLTON could have to wait at least FIVE years before a start is even made on a replacement for its chronically overcrowded magistrates' court.

And some members of staff are convinced that makeshift measures to "temporarily" create space mean it will be many more years before a new court is built.

As already reported in the BEN, clerks and other members of staff will be forced to move into overspill offices in the town centre because of lack of space at Le Mans Crescent.

In his annual report, just published, the chairman of magistrates' court committee, Mr Frank Woods, condemns the delay and the inconvenience it is causing.

He reveals that it could be well into the next millennium before there is any chance of a replacement. Plans for a new multi-million pound court received a body blow in December when they failed to get the Government's go-ahead.

Bolton was one of 14 schemes nationwide put forward for the new Private Finance Initiative funding but only five were selected.

Mr Woods said: "All hopes and expectations for a new court building were dashed with the announcement.

"We all accept that our present courts are a magnificent structure but the point remains that we have simply outgrown them and do not have room for proper extension and development."

And Mr Woods said it was "a disgrace" that in 1997 the court had no access for disabled people. He also criticised the many inadequate facilities such as interview rooms, waiting rooms, toilet and office accommodation.

Improvements are expected to begin over the next few months and some staff will be moved to council offices in nearby Paderborn house to create space. Mr Woods stressed: "In spite of rumours to the contrary, no business will be allowed to be transferred to other courts. By law that is the prerogative of the Bolton Justices to retain and will remain so.

"We are one of the busiest and more importantly cost effective and efficient courts in this country and we intend to maintain this position."

The Courts Committee reluctantly approved a scheme costing around £300,000 for the improvements to the old court house.

He said: "It is difficult planning for improvements to this building when we have no specific indication how long we shall be here."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.