I WOULD like to thank the Guardian for all your help over the proposal by the Magistrates Courts Committee to close the Northwich Court House.

We have had an astonishing and overwhelming 100% response from the people of Northwich, Winsford and surrounding areas.

Our support has come from this newspaper, MPs of all parties, (this is a non party political matter) county councillors, town councillors, the professional agencies, those engaged in court business, members of the public, and particularly those who feel a sense of responsibility towards their community.

We are very grateful for the interest that has been shown by the people in the heart of the county, because we have to remember that the work carried out by the courts is not just criminal work, but family work too. If Northwich loses its courthouse it will be necessary for defendants, witnesses, and families etc to travel to a distant court, at their own expense, taking with them family members, and or, supporters.

The court in Northwich provides a service the community deserves which must be retained because it is paramount to the needs of the people of Vale Royal.

Local courts mean local justice. Our campaign continues.

So if anybody would like to support us, or would wish for further information, please write to me at Northwich Magistrates Court, Chesterway, Northwich. I would be delighted to receive your letter.

PHILIPPA APPLEBY

Chairman of Vale Royal Magistrates Court, Northwich.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.