PARTNERS at a local firm of solicitors have been liberated from the attic over the Christmas break by a move to purpose-built premises.

Hewitts Solicitors has expanded so much over the last 12 months that partners at the head office in Bishop Auckland market place were forced to use the attic as offices.

The successful firm simply outgrew its listed Georgian building which, although architecturally appealing, was restricted in space.

Following two mergers with Wager Turner and Cohens, together with its own natural expansion, the company decided to search for new offices.

Recent years have seen the commercial centre of Bishop Auckland move to Newgate Street so, when the opportunity of new premises there arose, Hewitts decided the time was right to move.

"We are sad to leave this building behind, which has served us well for more than 30 years, but the time is right for us to leave," said Andrew Tweddle, managing partner. "We couldn't carry on having partners in unsuitable working conditions like the attic - it doesn't suit a modern day law firm."

But he stressed their old offices would not be left empty and had already attracted commercial interest.

The ground floor of the Newgate Street building is devoted entirely to the needs of clients, with a suite of interview rooms on one side of the building and conference and boardroom facilities on the other. First and second floors are taken up by offices, open-plan space for support staff and administration and account functions. For the first time the company also has a staff room.

Hewitts have seven offices in Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Stockton, Newton Aycliffe, Crook, Shildon and Durham. There are 15 partners, 14 solicitors, five consultants and 65 support staff.

Only two years ago there were half the number of support staff, nine partners, three consultants and only five solicitors