NORTHUMBERLAND MEP SUPPORTS CAMPAIGN TO SAVE ALNWICK MAGISTRATE COURT (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

NORTHUMBERLAND MEP SUPPORTS CAMPAIGN TO SAVE ALNWICK MAGISTRATE COURT

August 27, 2010 12:00 AM

Fiona Hall MEP signing the petition to keep Alnwick Magistrate Court open

A Northumberland MEP has signed a petition in support of retaining Alnwick Magistrate Court.

Alnwick Magistrate Court is among 157 courts across in England and Wales proposed for closure in a bid to save £15.3m a year.

Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall, who has also written a letter of support expressing her concerns about its possible closure, said:

"I believe it is important for local justice to retain the court in Alnwick.

"I am concerned that moving cases to either Bedlington or Berwick would cause serious problems and inconveniences to witnesses, families and local solicitors. Rural Northumberland lacks accessible and regular public transport services to both these proposed alternative locations.

"It is not even clear that the closure of Alnwick Magistrate Court would bring significant financial savings to the public purse given that the courthouse building is situated above the local police station and therefore could not be sold."