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Sutton MPs Speak out for local Courts
July 10, 2006 2:53 PM
Sutton's Liberal Democrat MPs Tom Brake and Paul Burstow defended the future of Sutton Magistrates' Court yesterday in a debate in Parliament with Constitutional Affairs Minister, Bridget Prentice.
MP for Sutton and Cheam, Mr Burstow, expressed concern that relocating the court would cause considerable strain on local police and people attending court as they would have to undertake the journey between Sutton and Croydon or Bromley, where cases would be moved in the event of a closure.
Speaking during the debate, Mr Burstow said:
"There is a lovely euphemism in the court business plan; it talks of "integration opportunities". I call them mergers and closures. That is what we are talking about. It is an opportunity to close a courthouse, realise an asset and reinvest it elsewhere in the business activities of Her Majesty's Courts Service. The downside is that our constituents and those who are victims of crime do not have as easy access to the Courts Service."
Ms Prentice reassured the MPs that there are no plans to close Sutton Magistrates' Court and praised the high standard of work done at the Court. Though commending the work of Sutton magistrates, Ms Prentice did say plans to cluster London Courts were under constant review.
Commenting on the debate, Mr Burstow said: "There is a strong sense of deja-vu about this debate; only a few years ago, Tom Brake, myself and our colleagues on Sutton Council fought against the closure of Sutton Magistrate's Court and now the same question is being raised again. I am pleased with the reassurances from Ms Prentice, but remain concerned that the possibility of closure has become an issue once again."
Adding to the debate, Mr Burstow said: "Local people want, need and deserve to have local justice delivered by local magistrates close to home, not a long way away in Bromley."
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