MP Concern Over Court Plans

Tamworth’s Member of Parliament, Christopher Pincher, has said he is “very concerned” at proposals announced by the Ministry of Justice to close Tamworth combined Magistrates’ and County Courts in Spinning School Lane.  The proposals are part of the Department’s plans to rationalise the thousands of buildings in the court estate across the country saving around £15million per year as well as a maintenance backlog costing £22million.

Mr. Pincher said:

“I appreciate that, given the huge financial hole the country has been left in, we need to make savings across government departments.  But I am very concerned that the loss of both our Magistrates’ and County Courts will affect local law enforcement.  If police officers have to travel further to give evidence, it means they may not be able to spend as much time as they would like in the town. “

“Specifically concerning the County Court, there are a number of people who need to attend hearings on, for example evictions, who may not have the money to pay for a trip to a court in Stafford.   Also, this move may be bad for local business who will find it even harder to recover small debts if cases cannot be heard in a local court.”

“We need to ensure we have local courts in the right places given our population, workload and communication links.  I will consult with the local police and magistrates’ service as soon s possible to find out their views and I will seek a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss his proposals.”

The consultation process run by the Ministry of Justice can be viewed by going to their website athttp://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/consultations.htm.