AS a solicitor who has practised in Vale Royal's court-house for in excess of 20 years, the news of its possible closure is astonishing.

The degree of consultation with local solicitors has been, so far as I am aware, nil. The degree of thought given for people who attend to court seems to be nil and no regard has been had to the difficulties of travel.

One asks the question, which clearly the Magistrates Court Committee has not done, as to how someone on social security benefits is supposed to get himself from, say Winsford to Warrington or from Northwich to Chester to appear at 10am for a morning court?

The cost to people has not been considered. In any event there is no adequate public transport available for many who do not live near to or in Northwich or Winsford.

It beggars belief that administrators should put justice on the edge of the county. Would they move the Old Bailey or Houses of Parliament to Ealing, Kingston or Dartford?

There are whispers that Cheshire's police headquarters will be coming to Mid Cheshire. There is substantial development happening in Mid Cheshire but the committee clearly believes Mid Cheshire should be a black hole so far as local justice is concerned.

One would like to ask the committee why such a plan has been conceived? Is this a case of inadequate management of their budget?

There is no regard for a court building opened in 1969, had a new roof put on it in 1989 and during 1999 had considerable monies spent on the air conditioning and heating system.

It was originally designed with a view to it being capable of development towards the Memorial Hall where land is still available for that expansion.

QUENTIN QUERELLE

Dixons Solicitors

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