Cardigan solicitors were joined by AM Simon Thomas and supporters outside Aberystwyth Justice Centre last week to protest against Legal Aid Cuts and proposed court closures.

Local solicitors are concerned that cuts will present serious challenges regarding access to local justice, and could result in west Wales becoming an ‘advice desert’.

The government introduced an 8.75% cut to Criminal Legal Aid Litigator Fees on July 1, which means that in the last 12 months fees, last increased 20 years ago, have been reduced by 17.5%

Local solicitors are concerned about further cuts planned for January, as the government plans to dramatically reduce the number of firms in England and Wales who can carry out court and duty solicitor work from 1,600 to 527.

Alan Lewis, of Taylor Lewis Solicitors in Cardigan, said: “There are only five firms left providing criminal legal aid advice to the community in Ceredigion.They can only do so if the work remains financially viable. The recent and planned cuts mean that this is no longer the case."

Insufficient tender bids have been received for new duty solicitor contracts for the 'Dyfed Powys 2 ' region which includes Ceredigion,Pembrokeshire and Powys.

Mr Lewis said: “The vast geographical area and the massive cuts in proposed fees meant that it was impossible for any of the local firms to submit a bid. We made these representations to the Ministry of Justice during the consultation period but it fell on deaf ears.

“The further cuts will mean that rural Mid and West Wales will become advice deserts with some of the most vulnerable people in our society unable to get representation either in court or at the police station.”

Legal Aid was introduced more than 60 years ago to ensure access to justice for all, regardless of wealth, and local solicitors fear this is being threatened by the current cuts.

Following the new swathe of cuts were introduced solicitors firms have refused to take on work funded by legal aid under the new slashed rates, in protest at the new cuts.

Ceredigion firms have decided to only do what is contractually required as part of their legal aid contracts, while they would normally do over and above that.

This action has resulted in chaos and delays in both the police station and courts throughout the country.

Katy Hanson from Welch & Co Solicitors said: “Taking the action we have has been really difficult but it has been done to try and preserve access to Justice and future provision of quality advice."

Plans have been announced to close a further 91 courts in England and Wales including Carmarthen and Brecon.

Courts have already closed in Cardigan and Lampeter and local solicitors are concerned that it could only be a matter of time before Aberystwyth Court is also on the closure list.

The lawyers will invite Justice Secretary Michael Gove to meet up with them to address their concerns, and discussions are planned with AM Elin Jones and MP Mark Williams.