Stockport Labour Group has expressed grave concerns following an announcement that Stockport Magistrates and County Court face closure under plans which will severely restrict access to justice in the borough and are likely to prove a false economy for taxpayers.

A public petition has been launched to fight the proposals which have been put forward by the Ministry of Justice in a consultation on Courts and Tribunals across the North West.

Deputy Leader of the Labour Group Councillor Walter Brett said, “Any resident concerned about the future of Stockport’s Court must sign the petition before the consultation closes on 8^th October.

“It is vital access to justice is ensured for victims, witnesses, and the wider public without the need for excessively difficult journeys. Violent crime was up 40% in Greater Manchester last year and so it is the wrong time for these plans if we want to guarantee public safety.

“Strong lobbying and public pressure is what will really make a difference in the fight to prevent Stockport Courthouse from being closed.”

The consultation, which opened on 16^th July, could see 11 Magistrates and 13 County and Family Courts shut across the North-West. The plans would see cases currently handled at the Courthouse in Stockport transferred to Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court and Manchester County Court based at the Civil Justice Centre.

Simon Morton, Managing Director of Morton’s Solicitors, a Stockport-based criminal defence firm, told the Labour Group:

“Stockport is one of the most heavily used Court buildings in Greater Manchester and it is vitally important for local businesses that it stays open.

“The Government’s plans are very unlikely to save any money as there will be an increase in defendants not turning up for hearings and police time used to execute warrants which have been issued to bring them to Court.

“It’s clear these proposals can’t be on the basis of any considered judgment.”

Stockport’s high quality, multi-purpose Courthouse was opened in 1989 and underwent major refurbishment work as recently as 2010. It boasts 11 modern Courtrooms and 18 cells as well as rooms for advocates, probation staff and witness support officers.

Follow this link to sign the petition.

 

Further information

North-West Courts and Tribunals MoJ Consultation

Stockport Courthouse comprises:

• Youth Courts
• Problem-Solving Courts
• 11 Modern Courtrooms
• 18 Cells
• Full Disabled Access – including 3 lifts
• Mother and Baby Room
• Facilities for Advocates, Probation Staff and Witness Support Officers

Greater Manchester’s  2014-15 crime statistics showed a 40% rise in violent crime, an increase of 11,723 such offences on 2013-14;