THE proposed closure of Newbury Magistrates Court is to be discussed at a special meeting of West Berkshire Council tomorrow (Thursday).
A report has been prepared to highlight the detrimental effect the closure of the magistrates court would have on the town, and the travel difficulties it would pose for victims of crime who need to get to court to provide evidence.
The report will go before the council with a recommendation that the head of legal services objects to any proposal to shut the local facility.
Her Majesty’s Court Service (HCMS) has proposed the closure of the court along with a number of other courts countrywide.
The report gives a list of reasons why the council should object to the closure of the court, which was built in 1966 and contains two courtooms on the first floor of a building shared with the County Court.
Previous funding cuts have led to the court not sitting on Fridays which has added to the pressure on the other days and reduced the amount of time the court can be used.
There is already a significant delay in hearing trials at Newbury, which has cost implications for the council, witnesses and defendants. The report states that moving the services to Reading would simply increase the cost and time, and result in further delays in getting proceedings to court.
The cost of running Newbury Magistrates Court and Newbury County court in 2009-2010 was £132,203, and the report concludes that it is doubtful that the operational cost justifies the closure of the facility.
It is expected that members will vote to back the report.