WARRINGTON Law Centre is believed to have closed after months of speculation that its future was in doubt.
The telephone was not being answered, although an answering service states that messages left will be answered. The centre’s website is also still on line.
But the doors at the Winwick Street offices were closed.
Lynne Bennett, centre manager at The Gateway, in Sankey Street said: “Warrington Law Centre has now closed its doors and is no longer open to the public. All existing clients have been contacted.”
Dave Thompson, chairman of Warrington Disability Partnership, said: “The Law Centre is the second large Warrington-based charity to announce closure in the past two weeks, Warrington CVS being the other.
“Looking at the national picture it doesn’t look any better, with small, medium and large charities either making huge cuts in their services or calling in the receivers, or closing down altogether.”
Last year, Warrington Borough Council was considering proposals to amalgamate the Law Centre with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
WARRINGTON Law Centre is believed to have closed after months of speculation that its future was in doubt.
Law centre closes its doors
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
7 Comments
Very, very sad indeed. They have done great work for the people of Warrington. Unfortunately this is probably the start of several closures in the Town. WBC ought to be taking a much more proactive stance to keep these various charities open. Thanks to the staff who have worked hard for the people of Warrington.
What is it that they actually did, and that was of such benefit to the people of Warrington. Didn’t they just duplicate work being done by the like of the Citizens Advice Bureau. I rather sense that there are far too many charities, and a clear out, evaluation and reorganisation of that sector is long overdue. Those that remain will be much more focused and effective. Interestingly why should the local council be taking a more proactive stance.
Law centres provide free professional legal advice and services to those who wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise: this is a big loss to Warrington. They take referrals from the CAB when they can’t handle the case. They are also an excellent source for work experience for would be solicitors. Given the recent announcement about withdrawing legal aid, this is an especially severe blow to people who cannot afford legal representation. Read about them here:
http://www.lawcentres.org.uk/about/
Warrington Law Centre was a duff service… I’m not sure the CAB made any referrals to the Law Centre because they had their own team of paid legal advisers, solicitors, etc. and had similar Legal Aid contracts. A town like Warrington doesn’t need two similar advice services with two expensive management infrastructures.
Without wanting to appear rude towards the CAB… unless it is a straight forward issue such as a shop sale they are rarley any great use at all. As for them having a team of legal advisers well I never knew that.. how do you speak to them then? We did however use the services of the Law Centre a couple of years ago for some advice after finding their details ourselves on the internet. (Not very well advertised elsewhere) They were superb even though it was a ‘business’ issue which they dont usually deal with and the gent I spoke to there was very knowleagable indeed and extremely helpful… poblem solved armed with their info and we will always be grateful to them for their help. Like Fugtifino also says… with the withdrawal of Legal Aid there should be more places like Warringtons Law Centre available rather than closing down. They were apparently part of WBC I was told which is rather ironic considering why we contacted them but they still helped all the same 🙂 Such a shame they are closing but then like I said .. not very well advertised unless you go ‘looking’
I’am appalled at the derogatory comments about warrington Law Centre.You are obviously extremely ignorant.I have been helped tremendously by this society in the past.The service was second to none.The staff helpful and the professionals really know their stuff.It was the best help I have ever had.I became aware of the service myself because it came highly recommended.
it is much easier to allow the law to take its course thats a joke anyway !!! care and support continues to be eroded in warrington along with services thus is just another example and the overall cost will be very expensive in the long term