LOCAL MP WILL BATTLE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF COURTS

More than 150 Magistrates' Courts and County Courts in England and Wales could be closed to save money, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced.

 

Bishop Auckland County and Magistrates Courts, and Consett County Court have been included in a consultation on whether or not to shut 103 Magistrates Courts and 54 County Courts in a bid to save £37m.

 

Responding to the announcements, local MP, Pat Glass, said:

 

“It has been blow after blow for my constituency and the North East this week. The ConDem Coalition is recklessly wielding its axe on vital frontline public services across North West Durham with total disregard for the effects of its actions.”

“The closure of these courts will devastate the administration of justice in our communities; fewer crimes will reach the Courts and that means that fewer victims of crime will get justice. It will also result in significant job losses”

 

“The centralisation of courts removes the power of local communities to administer justice, this entirely contradicts the ConDem Coalition’s policy of localism. “

 

“I urge the government to re-think its decision and I hope that  local Liberal Democrat Councilors will join me in fighting this by petitioning  their government. “