The Ministry of Justice is consulting on the closure of 91 Courts. The planned closures include Burton upon Trent Magistrates Court. The reasons given are to improve efficiency and to move towards larger dedicated Courts with better facilities.
It is proposed that the workload be shared between Derby Magistrates Court, Cannock Magistrates Court and North Staffordshire Justice Centre in Newcastle under Lyme. The consultation period is from now until October 2015.
Timms Family Team will make representations to keep open Burton Magistrates Court. We believe this is a busy Court which serves the people of the area well. The Family Court sits on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of each week. It provides local justice for local people.
Family cases in Burton Magistrates include divorce and financial provision; disputes regarding children including where they should live and contact arrangements; and Care and Adoption proceedings. Criminal cases are also affected by these proposals.
We do not believe that people from this area should have to travel over 20 miles to a Court in an area they do not know. Public transport links are poor and journeys to Cannock or Newcastle under Lyme would take well over an hour even from the centre of Burton and further from outline areas. Newcastle under Lyme does not even have a railway station.
Jo Taylor, Family and Care Solicitor at our Burton upon Trent office comments:
“Family cases are often sensitive and it can be a stressful time for some clients, particularly those involved in care proceedings.
For those relying on public transport having to attend a hearing many miles away, this pressure will be increased”
Magistrates in other areas do not know about local support services, facilities, etc. which are are available in and around Burton upon Trent.
Do you agree with us?
You can also join in the consultation. The links are:-
