Dorset County Council concern over court closures (From Dorset Echo)

Dorset County Council concern over court closures

9:00am Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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COUNCILLORS have voiced their opposition to plans to close two magistrates courts in Dorset.

At a Dorset County Council cabinet meeting, councillors unanimously backed a move to oppose the potential closure of Blandford and Wimborne magistrates courthouses.

The Ministry of Justice is currently consulting on changes that would a see a further reduction in the number of magistrates courts in Dorset after cuts earlier in the year.

According to a report considered by councillors, a proposed closure of Blandford and Wimborne would result in the county being served by only two main court centres based in Weymouth and Bournemouth, which are ‘remote from many Dorset communities’.

The proposals come after previous closures at Bridport, Sherborne and Wareham magistrates courts.

Closure of Blandford and Wimborne magistrates court would save total running costs of £168,280 a year according to the report but Councillor Spencer Flower said costs will only be transferred to somewhere else.

He said: “This seems to be entirely driven by the aim to save money.

“But while one body will save money, both the private and the public will pick up the tab in travel costs so I think it is a false saving.

“It’s only transferring costs from one place to another.

“I think we should be quite rigorous in opposing this.”

A report detailing the council’s opposition to the proposals will have to be submitted by the end of the month.