MPs urge rethink on court closure plans

Ministers are consulting over plans to close more than 150 courts across the country to save 15m in running costs as public spending is squeezed.

But there has been a backlash from MPs concerned about the impact of the closures on getting offenders to court and allowing victims to see justice done.

Courts 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.

The MP for Skipton and Ripon, Julian Smith, warned yesterday that closing both of Skipton's courts would have a "devastating impact for local justice" across Craven.

Next week Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy will lead a debate on the proposed closure of the court in Goole, while 52 Labour MPs have signed a Commons motion expressing concern about the list and calling for a rethink.

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.

Leader of the Commons David Heath said: "There is a genuine consultation on what should happen and legitimate questions need to be asked about court houses that are simply not fit for purpose and that cannot be brought up to the required standard economically.

"However, the Justice Secretary will welcome views from MPs about courts in their constituencies and their circumstances, particularly in relation to rural areas, where access to justice might be an issue."