We demand fair access to justice in Stockport and call upon the government to halt the closure of our courts.
The Ministry of Justice’s planned closure of Stockport Magistrates and Stockport County Court, and the movement of cases to Manchester, will make it harder for people to access the justice system.
The closure should be reconsidered as it is detrimental for victims and witnesses, is a false economy for taxpayers, will negatively impact the local economy and is short-sighted at a time when crime is rising across Greater Manchester.
Follow this link for further information on the planned closure of Stockport’s courts.
28 thoughts on “PETITION: Stop the closure of Stockport Magistrates and County Courts”
Extra costs, a decline in local peoples business, WHY?
:
Stockport has been provided with a modern, accessible and well-organised Court of Justice. It makes no sense to destroy such a precious amenity which is needed no less now than when it was built
Whatever is happening to the idea of local justice for local people ?
More Work for the police and costs, closing Stockport Magistrates Court would be a disaster waiting to happen.
This closure would mean an end to local justice as well as an end to successful local initiatives such as the Problem Solving Court, which has resulted in a reduced re-offending rate for the participants.
Would be a backward step for Stockport to be swallowed up by Salford or Manchester. Consider the victims of crime who need to travel far, at their own cost.
Typical of the breath taking arrogance of successive governments,The Justice system is an expensive inconvenience until one of their family needs to access it! This proposal is unbelievable not just for the effect on Stockport but in other areas as well.I have personally got to the point of considering closing down if this closure occurs and I have practised in Stockport for 32 years.
Closing the Court will remove an essential link between the local community and the provision of visible law and order. If ‘community policing’ and devolution to the regions etc is viewed as so important, then it seems perverse to centralise the provision of Court services.
Moving the Court would be a massive inconvenience to all local users of the legal system. Also a huge building in Stockport would be left vacant.
These court closures and Justice ‘reforms’ are part of a seemingly inexorable attempt to save money – but at what cost ! They almost invariably end up being counter-productive even in their own terms for the sake of a bit of initial back-patting. In the longer term- and taken in concert with other so-called ‘rationalisations’ within the remit of the Ministry of Justice- the access to redress of various kinds will be significantly diminished.
Stockport is a Town that need’s a Court, moving it to Manchester would create a problem with people being brought to trial, and most of them would probably not bother turning up at the courts in Manchester, and this would create more expense in tracking them down again and recalling them.
Additional information is available on the ” SAVE STOCKPORT COURT ” twitter page .
Please ” follow ” and publicise .
The proposed closure will also affect many local businesses, Solicitors, Food outlets, taxis etc.
Stockport will soon no longer exist as we now it. We will be
completely swallowed up by Manchester. How long before our post code changes. All this is another nail in Stockport’s coffin.
Whatever happened to the principal of local justice?
The closure of this court is very shortsighted and will disadvantage the already disadvantaged and make justice being seen to be done so much more difficult for everyone involved. It will certainly not save any money.
This is a shortsighted way of saving public money which can only lead to more waste of badly needed funds.
The resulting closure of our local Court will have a massive effect on our justice system, longer waits for court hearings, prolonged stress for people having to attend hearings and the additional travel; many defendants not attending court which will in turn will add to more expense and police time. This is a modern well used court and it does not make sense to close it. This should not be allowed to happen.
It can make no sense for this court to close when it is used so heavily, has good facilities and is a local court for much of STockport and surrounding area.
Justice should not be dependent on how wealthy you are! Where are the victim’s rights in all this?
Closing the Magistrates Court will mean people will have to travel to Manchester involving longer travel times and greater costs.
It is not that long ago that this court was built, seems a shame that this should be allowed to close
Justice delayed is justice denied. The backlog of cases will prolong the agony for victims of crime in Stockport and will push the cost of dealing with the problem to other agencies. Simply not thought through by the government. Magistrates and lawyers I have heard from are incredulous about this.
More work and expense to the police for non attendees then wanted on warrent.
There will be more non attendees, resulting in more expense and man power. Some will see it as an excuse not to attend court. How shortsighted!
Short sighted savings that will cause misery to many Stockport residents who will struggle getting to Manchester.
Closure of Stockport Courts will lead to extra costs fro those attending court including witnesses.
Comments are closed.