Closure of Redhill and Reigate courts threatens access to justice

The Liberal Democrats have warned the closure of Redhill Magistrates' Court and Reigate County Court threatens to undermine access to justice for local people across Surrey.

Victims and witnesses will have to travel up to an hour away to attend their nearest court or tribunal proceedings rather than going to their local magistrates' court. With magistrates' courts closing in Feltham and Richmond-upon-Thames in outer London as well, and Woking's Magistrates' Court closed several years ago, there is a concern that the local courts left will struggle to cope with the increased workload.

Former Lib Dem Councillor and Chairman of the Woking Lib Dems, Ann-Marie Barker said:

"The Lib Dems and I do support any attempts to upgrade our legal system, but this should be done while maintaining a high functioning and local justice system."

"The Redhill and Reigate courts has served the Surrey community well. Taken in the context of further cuts to local government budgets which will have a clear effect on the services residents expect, these court closures comes at the worst possible time. I urge the Government to think again and conduct a truly local impact assessment before ramming this through."

"Publishing the Government's response to the consultation on court closures as Parliament rises for recess is a sneaky move to prevent debate on an issue fundamental to British justice. The closure of courts threatens access to local justice. There are clear savings to be made in the court system, but simply shutting courts at the expense of the communities they serve is not the right approach."

"Courts should only be closed where it can be demonstrated that local communities will not lose out. Greater efficiency cannot always be achieved by a 'digital by default' approach."