Stratford court threatened with closure

“Past year over a third of all courts and tribunals were empty for more than 50% of their available hearing time”.

Bow County Court, Feltham Magistrates’ Court, Hammersmith County Court, Lambeth County Court, Pocock Street Tribunal Hearing Centre, Richmond-upon-Thames Magistrates’ Court, Tottenham Magistrates’ Court and Waltham Forest Magistrates’ Court will also be considered for closure.

MP for Altrincham and Sale West, Graham Brady, said: “Everyone understands that the Ministry of Justice has to control costs, but we have to make sure our courts are easily accessible to everyone”.

Mr Vara argued that fewer people would need to be in court as digital technology is introduced for “better and more efficient access to justice”.

In a consultation published yesterday by HM Courts & Tribunals Service, the future of a number of court and tribunal buildings labelled “underused and poor-quality” – including all court buildings in Halifax – is under threat.

Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service operates 460 courts and tribunal hearing centres across England and Wales, which reportedly costs the taxpayer half a billion pounds a year.

Justice minister Shailesh Vara said: “There is a broad consensus the current system is unsustainable and that we have an opportunity to create a modern, more user-focused and efficient service”.

I have already spoken to the Minister about the proposals and will be meeting him next week to have further discussions on the matter.

There are 55 members of staff based at Bury Magistrates’ Court and County Court.

In Dartford, the proposal is to transfer all cases 17 miles away to Medway Magistrates Court.

The nearest magistrates court for Knutsfordians would then be Crewe or Manchester – as Trafford Magistrates is also under consultation.

A total of 129 TV licence breach cases were dealt with as well as seven hearings for reviews of court orders or for statutory declarations to be made.

He said: “Labour want to see Dartford Magistrates Court stay open”.

Bury Magistrates’ Court and County Court.

“I know Justice Secretary Michael Gove says people shouldn’t have more than 90 minutes travelling time but I think that is a long time, particularly when you get to court and find out things have been adjourned”.

The consultation lasts until October 8.