Shropshire court jobs at risk?

PLANS TO axe courts across Shropshire would cost 16 jobs but save the Government more than £430,000, it was revealed today.

The Government wants to close Ludlow, Oswestry, and Market Drayton magistrates courts along with Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Ludlow county courts.

But today opposition to the move was starting to build across Shropshire.

The courts are on a list of 103 magistrates courts and 54 county courts in England and Wales whose futures will be consulted on until September, as the Government grapples with reducing Britain's £155 billion deficit.

Justice secretary Kenneth Clarke has said the Government will keep courts open in the "most strategically important locations".

But warnings were sounded today in both north and south Shropshire that poor transport links will cause hardship for many court service users and witnesses.

Blow

And Shrewsbury Town Councillor Miles Kenny warned that the loss of the town's court in Chester Street, would be a "bitter blow" .

He said: "Losing the court would be a bitter blow, to residents and to the prestige of the town."

He also fears legal firms will close town offices and follow the courts.

The Ludlow magistrates and county courts share the same listed building in Mill Street. It is proposed to move the courts to Telford. One member of staff is currently employed

Oswestry magistrates sit twice a week and there is one member of staff. The work would be transferred to Shrewsbury.

The county court shares the same building in Holbache Road and a district judge sits fours days a month. There is one part-time member of staff and it is proposed to transfer the service to Telford.

Shrewsbury county court premises are said to be "not fit for purpose" and it is proposed to move services to Telford. Twelve members of staff are based at Shrewsbury and it is the permanent base of one district judge.

Market Drayton magistrates court has one member of staff and it is proposed to transfer work to Shrewsbury.

By Dave Morris