by Gemma Constable

Magistrates are urging anyone with an interest in keeping justice local to voice their opposition to the plan to shut the Sittingbourne court.

The Ministry of Justice has announced its intention to close the court in Park Road, Sittingbourne, as part of a cost-cutting plan to close over 100 magistrates’ courts across the country.

Keith Woolley JP said magistrates and other court users are far from content with the proposal to use Canterbury and Medway courts instead, which would impact on not only defendants, but victims, witnesses and staff, especially those who rely on public transport.

“Any suggestion that this move will improve efficiency and save money is entirely wrong and if we, the public of Swale, let this happen we should be ashamed of ourselves,” he said. “The truth is, it is going to cost far more to cover the expense of sending court personnel to these other locations.

“Where is the sense in making someone from, say, Eastchurch, attend Medway Magistrates’ Court in Chatham to enforce a £10 underpaid fine when it will cost over £20 in fares to get there?

“The arguments put forward about under-use and poor maintenance of the Sittingbourne court building are an admission of poor management by the court’s service and these should not be used to penalise the public.”

He said when the Sheerness courthouse was closed in 1998, it was agreed to on the condition that Sittingbourne would be improved and maintained.

Mr Woolley said: “Time passes and it appears that promises mean nothing but I believe that the people of Swale should have their own courthouse and the local council should help provide and maintain this important facility.

“Only by the public fighting to maintain their vital services will anything be preserved.

“The louder we protest, the more chance we have of keeping local justice local.”

Another JP, Mick Constable from Queenborough, agreed: “This is not the first time Sittingbourne court has been under threat. Local justice works and has done so for many years.

“It’s important that people have their say now before it is too late.”

• The consultation can be found on http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/consultations.htm

The Kent Branch of the Magistrates’ Association is also mounting a campaign against the move and has written to borough and county councillors for the Island asking for their support.

Robert Howe, branch secretary of the Magistrates’ Association, said: “It is not only defendants who are affected, there are also victims, witnesses, support workers, young people and their parents attending Youth Court and many others who would have to travel the extra miles, with a return journey of over two hours if using public transport.

“Many people in Sheppey are not well off and the seven or eight pounds in rail fares would make a big hole in their budget. No regard has been taken of the social consequences.

“Of particular concern are the people, often estranged parents, who have to attend Family Proceedings Courts.

“This is the latest and most drastic move on the part of successive administrations to dilute the principle of local justice administered by local magistrates who know and understand their community.

“It looks like a case of knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing.”