Why Sutton Magistrates Court is important (From Sutton Guardian)

Why Sutton Magistrates Court is important

6:30am Friday 2nd July 2010 in News By Jamie Henderson

Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, said: “Clearly the principle of local justice is very important and I have always argued to ensure the best justice remains in Sutton. The best justice system is one that uses a local magistrate.

“Post offices or any other community facility will find it extremely challenging circumstances. But this time round the proposed cuts come against a background of the worst financial recession of recent times.

“If the court closed it would also certainly have an impact on jobs in the community.”

Paul Burstow, Cares Services Minister and MP for Cheam and Sutton, said: “The principle of local justice for local people delivered by local courts is very important. We have already made clear to Lord McNally, Minister of State in the Ministry of Justice, our concerns and will continue to lobby for Sutton’s Court.

“But we are under no illusions. This battle will be the hardest fought so far. The coalition Government has inherited one of the largest deficits in Europe. It is going to have to take many tough spending decisions.”

David Rubie, of solicitors David Rubie Mitchell and Co, said: "To remove the court from operating is short-sighted and nothing more than a penny-pinching exercise.

"Sutton houses the biggest police station in south London as well as specialist murder squads and Sapphire units, which means officers will be wasting valuable time travelling to other courts.

"The staff will be relocated so the only real savings that will be made are electricity and water and other utilities.

"It will make life for police, magistrates, witnesses and lawyers much more difficult."

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, condemned the cuts.

He said: "The ink on George Osborne’s Budget of cuts was barely dry before ministers made this announcement that threatens to devastate the administration of justice in our communities.

"It shows in stark reality when public spending is cut, essential services inevitably suffer.

"As well as devastating access to local justice, we estimate at least 1,000 jobs could be at risk. It will also remove the ability of newspapers like the Sutton Guardian to effectively report on the legal process."