Three Kent courts have been threatened with closure, under plans announced by the government today.

Magistrates courts at Dartford and Dover have both been earmarked to shut, along with Tunbridge Wells County and Family Court.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Justice today. A 12 week public consultation will take place before a final decision is made.

The magistrates' court in Dartford serves North Kent but in recent years, an increasing number of cases have been transferred to Medway.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson 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.

"Whilst there has been an increase in using modern technology to bring evidence to courtrooms, this will never completely replace witnesses physically attending court and moving all local cases to Chatham could put off some witnesses from giving evidence.

"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. This news will be met with deep dismay by magistrates who voluntarily serve the local community in their role but will now be forced to take a fairly long journey to do so.

"I have spoken to the Minister about this announcement and requested an urgent meeting with him and I hope that there will be a rethink.”

The three Kent courts were among 19 in the south east listed at risk, and 91 courts and tribunals in England and Wales.

A release issued by the HM Courts and Tribunals Service said the buildings being consulted on represented 16% of hearing rooms across the estate in England and Wales, which were, on average, used for only a third of their available time. One in three were not used three quarters of the time.

Courts and Tribunals Minister Shailesh Vara said: “We are reforming the courts and tribunal service so that it meets the needs of modern day users.

“Access to justice is not just about attending court. As we bring in digital technology for better and more efficient access to justice, fewer people will need to physically be in a court.
“This means that we will need fewer buildings, and with many already underused and in poor quality, now is a good time to review the estate.”

"With many already underused and in poor quality, now is a good time to review the estate.” Courts and Tribunals Minister Shailesh Vara

Natalie Ceeney, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service Chief Executive, said: “Our estate is a significant asset. We currently have a number of surplus buildings and this consultation puts forward proposals on their future.

“As we modernise our service so that fewer people will need to attend a court in person, spending money on unsuitable or rarely used buildings is not good value for money for taxpayers.

“I encourage anyone with an interest to respond to the proposals”.

Alternatives will include using modern technology such as video conferencing to give evidence, and using other local civic and public buildings, such as town halls, for hearings, instead of underused and poorly maintained buildings, the statement continued.

It is still thought that, after the changes, most people will still be able to get to a court within an hour by car.

The national and regional consultation documents and the full list of sites recommended can be found here. The consultation will last for 12 weeks and will close on October 8, 2015.