THE Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, has become involved in the row over Northwich's Magistrates' Court.
Lord Irvine was contacted by MP Mike Hall last week - after news broke in the Northwich Guardian that the Watling Street courthouse was under threat of closure.
The court has been earmarked for the chop by Cheshire's Magistrates' Court Committee as part of a 25-year plan.
But the idea has sparked a wave of protest.
Lord Irvine has confirmed that Cheshire County Council will have a say in the court's future.
For full details of what he said - see page 3.
For other reactions to the news, including comments from a leading solicitor - see page 17.
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