ENFIELD Law Centre’s evening advice service will reopen tomorrow, after a generous benefactor allowed it to return.

The service, which advises Enfield residents on legal matters for free, will run from 6pm this evening at Enfield Foyer, 279-281 Fore Street, Edmonton.

It was part of the Enfield Law Centre which closed in November after Enfield Council refused to give it a bridging loan to cover its debts after the Government made it harder for law centres to get funding.

Legal advisor and manager Adrian Schwab approached several organisations and businesses to get sponsorship for the service but hit gold when OJN Solicitors in London Road, Enfield agreed.

Principal solicitor Obi Nwokeji was a volunteer at the centre from May 2006 and said he had been disappointed when it closed.

“There were always rumours but I didn’t really think it would be closed down, I thought somehow something would be put into place.

“I thought what will happen to these people? So I thought about it and thought about and thought I can’t really see the damage in keeping the evening advice open. I can handle the cost.”

The service can only give advice and cannot take on cases like a solicitor can.

However advice lawyers can refer cases to local solicitors who can take on the cases using legal aid to pay their fees.

Mr Nwokeji said some practices including his sometimes did pro bono work, a legal term for working for free, for people who are really in need.

He added: “Lots of people just need an explanation for something, they just want to know if they have a case or if there’s something they can do straight away.

“Volunteering is something that makes me feel happy, I feel useful and I do feel that what you put in you somehow get out again.”

The service will advise on housing, employment, immigration and consumer issues, and can also help people deal with debt.

Mr Schwab said: “We’re very pleased, there was a real danger it was all going to go for good. When we were telling people we had to close they were really disappointed. Haringey and Tottenham are so busy they can’t see you, and we didn’t see why Enfield people should lose out.”

The centre can see up to 30 people on a first come first served basis and will open once a week for the time being.