Town's warning on court closures

A COUNCIL’S plans to regenerate a neglected town centre could be made more difficult if the local law courts are closed, the local authority leader has warned.

Kirklees Council wants to see improvements in Dewsbury town centre, which is blighted by rundown buildings and a poor shopping experience for residents and visitors.

Earlier this month the council said it would be forcing owners of dilapidated buildings to improve them.

But these efforts at regeneration could be undermined if plans to close the magistrates court and county court go ahead, it is claimed.

The Ministry of Justice is consulting over plans to close six magistrates’ courts and six county courts in Yorkshire as part of a national reform of the courts service which aims to get rid of under-used and inefficient courts.

Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan says he is not convinced by the arguments and want a rethink on the planned closures at Dewsbury.

He said: “What sounds simple on paper may lead to greater inefficiencies in practice with the result being more expensive and less effective justice.

“Delivery of justice and public confidence in the legal and courts process should be at the heart of this argument rather than the merits of whether the buildings themselves are usable or require investment.”

Closing the courts in Dewsbury would mean local people having to travel to Huddersfield, a trip of seven to 10 miles.

Arriving late, or not at all, would have an impact on the efficiency of the overall system.

The transportation of prisoners from Dewsbury police station to the court in Huddersfield would add to the costs, as would the need to pay for witnesses and others to attend.

Coun Khan also said that the extra pressure on Huddersfield court could also lead to problems.

The impact on Dewsbury’s economy also had to be taken into consideration, he said.

“There will be a knock on effect for Dewsbury’s economy as court staff will spend their money elsewhere.”

He voiced his fear that the move could lead to an even worse scenario:

“If local cases are moved even further afield, such as Wakefield, Bradford or even Leeds, the effects will be even greater.

“Everyone in the public sector is well aware of the need to cut costs but this should not be at the expense of justice and to the detriment of local towns.

“This proposal damages justice and damages the Dewsbury economy as everyone involved moves out to Huddersfield. This is the direct opposite of what I, as council leader, want to achieve in regenerating and rejuvenating Dewsbury.”

Politicians in other parts of Yorkshire have also criticised the proposals, saying it would lead to much longer journeys for residents in outlying areas, particularly in the Dales.

In July Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith took a near three-hour journey from Burton in Lonsdale to the courts in Harrogate to demonstrate what the closure of the magistrates’ court at Skipton would mean for some of his constituents.

He caught a 7.10am bus but did not arrive until after 10am, after the deadline when most victims and witnesses are required to be present.

The cost of the bus and train tickets for Mr Smith’s trip was almost 30.

Other courts under threat includes magistrates’ courts at Keighley, Pontefract and Selby; and county courts at Keighley and Pontefract.

The Ministry of Justice consultation period ends on Wednesday, September 15.

The consultation document can be found on the Ministry of Justice website at www.justice.gov.uk

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