A traditional Ipswich law firm has expanded into Hadleigh - after a longstanding solicitors' office shut its doors.

Gotelee Solicitors - which has offices in Ipswich, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and Framlingham - decided to move out of its Church Street, Hadleigh, branch at the end of last month.

It was the last law firm left on the high street and some customers were upset at the loss of local legal services.

Now Bates Wells and Braithwaite Solicitors - based in Ipswich - has launched a pop-up office at Hadleigh library - and aims to set up a permanent home in the town.

Scott Emsden, Christopher Mason and Denise Head of Bates Wells and Braithwaite (Image: Bates Wells and Braithwaite) The lawyers say they are seeing "a steady stream" of enquiries with many welcoming the service in the town.

A number have been referred to them by other professionals such as independent financial advisers and estate agents who want to work with a local firm, they added.  

Bates Wells and Braithwaite is a long-established Suffolk law firm which prides itself on traditional values and commitment to personal, face-to-face legal support.

It said its aim was to address a lack of legal services in Hadleigh for wills, family law, probate, conveyancing and more for the local community which values face-to-face communication over tech driven support.

It is offering free 30-minute consultations once a week over the next 12 weeks in a private room in Hadleigh library.

The sessions started on Tuesday (November 19) from 10 am until 4pm. The mornings are by  appointments and afternoons are for drop ins.

Over the Christmas period - December 24 and 31 - they will operate on reduced hours from 10am to 2pm.

The firm said it hoped to meet the community’s legal needs "with a long-term view of establishing a permanent presence in Hadleigh".

Bates Wells and Braithwaite partner Denise Head said: “We are a local firm, and our values are centred on serving the community with the highest standard of service, delivered face to face.

"As more businesses shift towards AI (artificial intelligence) and technology, we’re seeing growing demand for personal interaction as communities become increasingly frustrated with the lack of direct contact.”