COURT users in Leigh risk becoming victims of violence because of a lack of security on the premises.

Bosses at courts up and down the country are currently reviewing their safety arrangements following the escape of two prisoners in Slough and it is known much could be improved at the magistrates' building on Chapel Street.

Safety in Leigh is desperately low leaving staff, the bench and members of the public in a vulnerable position.

A report into the region's facilities by the North and West Greater Manchester Magistrates' Courts Committee highlighted the problems.

It stated that the building has "limited security" and said safety of staff, magistrates and court users was a "major issue".

It also pointed out this meant it breached Health and Safety regulations and added: "Leigh has limited security provision and this places staff, magistrates and court users in a vulnerable position."

The report, called A Strategy of the Future, was published at the end of last year and so far no improvements have taken place. Only the court at Middleton, near Manchester, was said to suffer from such security lapses.

Security at the town's court currently consists of ushers who are trained to deal with incidents and an alarm which alerts officers in the adjoining police station.

James Haydock, Clerk to the Leigh and Wigan Justices, admitted the situation was not ideal.

He added: "We were already looking at ways of increasing security before the incident at Slough and there are likely to be changes in the near future.

"The problem with Leigh is that we are still waiting for a decision on its future, so we can't sign security contracts when its status is still in doubt."

The poor safety provisions and need to improve facilities for users were one of the reasons it was suggested that Leigh magistrates' court should close and its work be handed over to Wigan. Mr Haydock said that despite recent meetings with the Lord Chancellor they had not been told when a final decision would be made.