Published: 05/08/2010 07:57 -
Updated: 05/08/2010 08:06
LEGAL professionals have joined forces to campaign against the proposed closure of Harlow’s magistrates and county courts.
Both courts are on a Government hitlist of 103 identified by the Ministry of Justice as underused or inadequate and have been earmarked for closure as part of a cost-cutting shake-up of the justice system.
Both courts are on a Government hitlist of 103 identified by the Ministry of Justice as underused or inadequate and have been earmarked for closure as part of a cost-cutting shake-up of the justice system.
If the proposals are implemented, criminal, family and housing case cases would be heard at Chelmsford – a 20-mile journey from Harlow – while civil matters would be dealt with 40 miles away in Cambridge.
But lawyers working in Harlow claim the plans, which are currently at the consultation stage, will have a huge impact on the town, forcing those attending court to make expensive travel arrangements and deterring others from taking legal action.
Stephanie Holmes, a family lawyer at Attwaters Solicitors, told the Star: “People relying on public transport to travel to Chelmsford or Cambridge risk turning up late or not being able to attend at all.
“This could create court sanctions, cost implications and could ultimately deter people from pursuing legal action through the appropriate channels.
“While Harlow is not a particularly affluent area, there is a clear drive to regenerate the town. The closure of our courts would seem to contradict that very aim.”
Solicitor Tony Scott, of Barnes & Partners, added: “Justice should be accessible for all, something these proposals fail to take into account.
“Getting to Chelmsford for a 10am hearing without the use of a car would mean catching a bus at 7.30am and then making a tortuous 10-minute journey on foot through a town which will be unfamiliar to many.
“This will result in people turning up late or not turning up at all, which will create a huge backlog of adjourned cases and have serious cost implications for both the court service and those attending court.”
The campaign has already won the support of both Harlow Council and local MP Robert Halfon, who told the Star he had arranged to meet with Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly next month to discuss the plans.
“I’m very much opposed to the proposals,” he said. “They would have grave implications for Harlow and could result in a number of jobs being lost.
“We are one of the East of England’s major towns and we are growing all the time. It’s clear to me that our courts are absolutely vital in supporting and sustaining this grow-th and it’s now up to us to make a strong case for their preservation.”
To submit views on the proposed court closures, email stephanie.holmes@attwaters.co.uk or pick up a questionnaire from the reception at Attwaters Solicitors in West Square.
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