by Thom Morris

Magistrates could soon be serving up justice next to juices and fines near to footwear.

That's if a plan to close Ashford magistrates and county courts come to fruition.

It could mean justices of the peace finding a new home in County Square Shopping Centre.

John Howson, deputy chairman of the Magistrates' Association has argued that the plan would save money as it would make use of space in empty retail units.

Mr Howson is reported as saying: "Why not use a unit in a shopping centre with a glass front where everyone can see what is going on?"

He said hearings taking place in shopping centres would allow cases to be completed more swiftly, cutting costs and minimising the disruption to the affected towns facing court closures.

Speaking to the Kentish Express he said: "We at the Association believe there may be other ways of dealing with summary justice which could be cheaper and local rather than making people travel half way across Kent. I think what we can do is talk to district councils about using buildings they've got but do not need."

County Square manager Frances Burt said it is a scheme that would need careful consideration if it were to go ahead.

She said: "It would be providing a service but on the other hand it's where we would put a court room. We wouldn't want it in the middle of the centre especially if there were altercations taking place outside.

"I don't know how they'd be able to deal with that. We have the tribunal centre in County Square but that's different, because you go through the door and upstairs and it's out of the way. "

The proposal will be put to the Ministry of Justice by the Magistrates' Association before the consultation closes on September 15.

Their proposal also includes cases being heard on Saturdays and during the evenings saving, the Magistrates' Association say, millions of pounds of taxpayers' money.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "No decisions have been made on court closures and all responses to the consultation will be considered before decisions are made."