Politicians and barristers have urged the government to rethink proposals to close Dartford Magistrates' Court over fears it could obstruct justice.

The Highfield Road courthouse was included in a list of 91 court and tribunal buildings under threat from closure pending the outcome of a 12-week consulation.

The recommendation was made yesterday by the Ministry of Justice as part of plans to shut poorly used and expensive to run courts across England and Wales.

In Dartford, the proposal is to transfer all cases 17 miles away to Medway Magistrates Court. The Chatham courthouse has eight trial rooms comapred to Dartford's three and is equipped to hold virtual cases via video link.

Figures from HM Courts & Tribunal Service show Dartford Magistrates' Court was used at 30% capacity last year at a cost of £213,000.

One sitting magistrate told Kent Online its closure was a "foregone conclusion".

But the proposals are set to be resisted as critics argue the closure could result in justice being impeded as witnesses avoid travelling to take part in legal proceedings.

MP Gareth Johnson, who has worked at the court as a solicitor, said: "This decision is deeply concerning.

"Having previously worked at the Court, I know that if Dartford’s Magistrates Court closes it will cause significant difficulties for witnesses, Police Officers and other Court users.

"There is also concern that if Dartford Magistrates court were to close then there would be delays in bringing cases to court.

"The delivery of local, summary justice is a fundamental part of our legal system."

Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite hinted the Civic Centre could be used as a makeshift courthouse to ensure enough cases are being held in Dartford.

He said: "I don't have any fundamental problem with it but the only issue for me is the passage of justice.

"I hope they will speak to us about using other sites to accomodate those cases.

"We have the Civic Centre that has similar facilities to the magistrates court. There needs to be a sensible conversation to ensure there is no reduction to justice."

Dartford Labour leader Jonathon Hawkes echoed Mr Johnson's opposition.

He said: "Labour want to see Dartford Magistrates Court stay open. This is another example of cuts to public services having a direct impact on the lives of people in Dartford.

"It makes no sense and is completely the wrong decision for the town. The government is saying one thing and doing the opposite.

"I know that residents value that we have access to a local magistrates court. It’s important that justice is both done and seen to be done at a local level.

Oliver Saxby, chairman of the Kent Bar Mess - an association for barristers practising in the county, added he was also concerned by the move.

He said: "I think those involved in the Criminal Justice System in Kent - one of the largest areas in the country - will be worried at the potential impact of these proposals on ‘access to justice’ - literally and figuratively - both for those facing proceedings, and witnesses and victims."

Documents describe the courthouse as “inadequate” and “out of date” for staff, judiciary and court users.

A review launched in December by the Kent Judicial Business Group and HM Courts & Tribunals approved a proposal to reduce the number of courts to one day a week from October with a view to centralise more cases in Chatham.

At the moment, cases are heard at three courts on Monday and two courts on Wednesday and Thursday. No permanent staff are based in Dartford.

Other courts poised to shut in Kent include Dover Magistrates Court and Tunbridge Wells County and Family Court.

The consultation will close on Thursday, October 8.

For more reaction see Thursday's Dartford Messenger.