Mayor Dave: Government Must Listen to 'Powerful' Opposition Case Against Harmful Court Closure Plans

Mayor Dave Hodgson has said that it is 'absolutely essential' that local access to justice in Bedford is maintained, after details of Bedford Borough Council's forceful response to the consultation on the Government's plan to close Bedford Magistrates' Court was revealed.

In a wide-ranging submission to the Government, the Council has detailed the array of harmful effects this proposal would have on its own operations and resources, on the local administration of justice and on local residents' access to justice.

The Government's proposals follow its downgrading of the Magistrates' Court in 2014 and de-listing of all criminal cases, which opponents warned at the time could be the first step towards full closure of the court.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The closure of Bedford Magistrates' Court would mean witnesses, lawyers, defendants and everyone involved in cases would have to travel some distance to attend hearings.'

"While this might save the Courts Service some money, our response to the government's plans sets out its harmful impact in terms of extra costs for local witnesses and other members of the public involved in cases and for taxpayers via other parts of the public sector, including the Council. It will also limit access to justice for local residents, and will increase the likelihood of non-attendance by defendants.'

"It is absolutely essential that access to justice locally is maintained, and we hope that the government will listen to our powerful case, and to all of those who have spoken up in opposition to these harmful plans."

The Council's submission stresses the need for local access to justice to be retained and, in the event that the government does go ahead with its plans, highlights the availability of vacant space in Borough Hall in the interest of preserving the local administration of cases.

Shire Hall, which is on the south side of St Paul's Square in Bedford Town Centre, was built in 1881, and is a landmark heritage building. It shares the south side of the square with buildings including 1-4 St Paul's Square, which was restored and re-opened this year as affordable homes with support from the Council-led Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme.