Silence in court - Shropshire closure dates revealed

Five criminal and civil courts across Shropshire will close as part of Government spending cuts. Magistrates courts in Market Drayton, Oswestry and Ludlow, will close on March 31, Her Majesty's Courts Service revealed today.

County courts in Ludlow and Oswestry will close in September.

The news comes despite warnings that witnesses, defendants, victims and families in north and south Shropshire could be caused real hardship because of limited transport links to Shrewsbury and Telford, where the bulk of the county's legal proceedings will be held once the courts on the hit-list close.

Zoe Campbell, spokeswoman for Her Majesty's Courts Service, said: "Market Drayton, Ludlow and Oswestry Magistrates' Courts are expected to close on March 31 2011.

"Ludlow and Oswestry County Courts are expected to close in September 2011.

"Implementation plans are being developed, including discussions with the trades unions and staff.

"We will work closely with staff and the judiciary to decant work into receiving courts effectively, without disruption to services."

The closures are part of wider plans by the Tory-led coalition government to axe more than 150 courts in England and Wales to tackle Britain's budget deficit.

In all, 103 magistrates courts and 54 county courts in England and Wales have been earmarked for closure.

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 go 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. It is proposed to transfer the service to Telford.

Market Drayton magistrates court has one member of staff. It is proposed to move work to Shrewsbury.