A PROMINENT Merseyside solicitor and former Chester City FC chairman has had his company’s offices closed down and been suspended.

Ian Anderson, 44, from Neston, is under investigation for alleged breaches of the solicitors’ accountancy rules and his practice closed “to protect the needs of clients”.

He has had his solicitor’s practice certificate suspended following “an intervention” from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and is no longer able to practise as a solicitor.

His offices in Mortimer Street, Birkenhead, and Sherbourne Square, in Huyton, have been closed, following the action by the SRA on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the SRA said: “That means he cannot work as a solicitor for the time being.

“The majority of these end up with some form of disciplinary procedure, many before the solicitors tribunal.”

Mr Anderson, who specialises in general motor and juvenile crime, general litigation and personal injury work, is now expected to be appear before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal at an unspecified future date, the SRA said.

The SRA spokesman said: “We have closed down the firm – we call it an intervention.

“In terms of winding down the firm, we will be returning papers and money to their rightful owners and the investigation into the conduct will continue.”

The Wirral solicitor has been involved with Chester City football club for around two years, and was first appointed to the Chester City FC board in 2007.