CRITICISM of the way Weymouth Magistrates Court was being run has led to improvements.

The county’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill says that after complaints about court sessions being over-booked an extra administrator had been brought in and the problem improved.

He told the county police and crime panel that he was delighted that after several years of trying action had finally been taken.

“I am glad to say there has been a significant improvement. We challenged them to improve and they have…it's now happening.”

The issue was taken up by Mr Underhill after complaints from victims and witnesses about being repeatedly told to turn up for court – only to be sent away again.

Cllr Bill Pipe told a previous meeting of the county’s police and crime panel it came about because the courts often double or triple booked cases – knowing some were likely to be cancelled or postponed.

He said that the complaint was common amongst Dorset people seeking support from the county’s Victim Support service and has now asked the crime commissioner to turn his attention to a similar situation in the Bournemouth area.