A DORSET MP has hit out at plans which could spell closure for two of the county's magistrates' courts.

Bob Walter, MP for North Dorset, said the moves which could affect Wimborne and possibly also Blandford courthouses would not be in the interests of justice and would only serve to help administrators.

The move comes as Dorset Magistrates' Courts Committee publishes a consultation document this week which sets out plans for re-organising the county's court system.

Instead of having several small courts around the county the committee favours having just one courthouse in the east of the county - either Poole or Bournemouth - and three unidentified courts in the west.

At present there are courts at Blandford, Bridport, Sherborne, Weymouth and Wimborne. Gillingham and Wareham have already closed.

However Mr Walter, who has vehemently opposed court closures and fought unsuccessfully to try and save Gillingham by trying to get the Lord Chancellor involved, has slammed the move.

"The onslaught on our local courts has become an annual event but this year it seems more determined than ever. The latest plan's preferred option means the closure of local courthouses that are vital to the community," said Mr Walter.

"Vast amounts of money have been spent upgrading Blandford courthouse and now it could be closed but the real death sentence hangs over Wimborne. The proposal to have one courthouse for East Dorset located in the conurbation means the loss of a vital local court in Wimborne.

"I deplore this efficiency drive which is detrimental to easy access to justice.

"This seems to be for the benefit of administrators at the expense of the victims, the witnesses and local solicitors."

He added: "I shall fight this proposal."