Magistrates promise battle to save courts facing closure

But John Thornhill, who sits as a JP in Liverpool, said his members recognised the justice system must contribute to the cuts in Government spending, which may mean accepting some courts will go.

The Ministry of Justice has announced a consultation process asking for views on the closure of 103 magistrates and 54 county courts in England and Wales which are said to be "underused and inadequate".

Those under threat in Yorkshire are Goole, Selby, Skipton, Keighley, Pontefract and Batley and Dewsbury Magistrates Courts and Goole, Skipton, Barnsley, Pontefract, Keighley and Dewsbury County Courts.

There were more than 90 magistrates courts in Yorkshire in the early 1970s, whereas now there are only around 24.

Ministers say if implemented nationally the closures would save 15.3m in running costs and 21.5m on maintenance with more emphasis on the future being placed on the use of technology such as video and telephone links.

Mr Thornhill said representatives in each of the areas affected would be asked to look into the impact of such a closure and the threat to one of the fundamental principles of our justice system "local justice delivered by ordinary citizens in the communities where offences are committed".

"It is all very well saying the cases can be heard elsewhere, by video link for example, but these would have to be set up in appropriate places before that could be done.

"It is also not practical for that in all cases. Victims are now often waiting longer to see justice done. These proposals could mean that many court users including victims, witnesses and defendants may have long journeys to court – a disincentive to attend, resulting in further delays and extra expense."

He said where court buildings were no longer considered fit for use it might be possible to put forward an alternative venue elsewhere in the community used for other purposes at different times.

The MP for Skipton and Richmond, Julian Smith, has already promised to lead the fight to keep open both Skipton Magistrates Court and Skipton County Court.

Mr Smith said: "I will be campaigning hard to make the case that these courts are uniquely positioned to serve our local community.

"I will be meeting with all those interested in saving our courts in the coming weeks and look forward to leading a vigorous campaign to keep them."

The closing date for consultation is September 15.