Defend access to justice – no to job cuts!

The Ministry of Justice is currently running a consultation on the closure of 103 Magistrates Courts

and 54 County Courts. If these closures go ahead over 1000 jobs could be lost along with local courts

dealing with local issues rooted in a community. This will impact on access to justice as many court users

will be unable to afford the cost of traveling many miles to court and there will be less staff to deal with cases.

It will actually be less economical to close the Courts than keep them open.

For more information, download the attached leaflet 'Defend Access to Justice'.

Raise an objection!

• Sign the petition attached to show your support for keeping courts open.
• Circulate to work colleagues, friends and family.
• Please raise this with your MP as part of Protecting Public Services.

In Greater Manchester the proposals include closing:

• Rochdale Magistrates Court
• Salford Magistrates Court
• Bury County Court
• Salford County Court

The Consultation also includes proposals to reduce the counter payment collection facility across the GM County.

Many newspaper articles are now appearing, with magistrates, defence lawyers, public expressing views in terms

that that the best interests of the users and of law & justice generally are not being given sufficient importance

over saving money. In some instances, people are saying that it will cost more to close than save.

See, for example:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/43249/plans-to-close-rochdale-magistrates-court-announced

http://www.salfordonline.com/localnews_page/19543-video:_courthouse_blues_for_salford_magistrates.htm

lhttp://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1313747_salford_councils_4m_bid_to_save_magistrates_court

http://menmedia.co.uk/salfordadvertiser/news/s/1315503_council_bosses_put_case_to_save_historic_salford_courthousehttp://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/46036/concerns-over-possible-court-closure