Magistrates chief rules out return of courts

Justices' chief executive Patrick Traynor said the move would be a "gross waste of public money".

But Keighley MP Ann Cryer -- who is spearheading efforts to reopen a magistrates Court in the town -- is defiant.

She said the final decision would rest at a ministerial level and that she had received an encouraging response from the Lord Chancellor.

She is urging the public to write to her voicing its support.

Adult criminal cases were shifted to Bingley in 1997 and all magistrates' work -- including licensing, family and youth -- was later transferred.

Mrs Cryer fears that if nothing is done, criminal hearings could eventually be heard 11 miles away at Bradford.

Under a new Courts Bill, magistrates and county courts will come under the umbrella of a single agency.

Mr Traynor said: "The court at Bingley has just undergone a major refurbishment costing thousands of pounds and will be part of a unified agency. It is the wrong time to start looking at opening a magistrates court in Keighley. It would be a gross waste of public money.

"The current situation is working well and I am not aware of any issues of concern."

Mrs Cryer said she was very disappointed at the comments. But she added that they would not deflect her from her efforts and that she remained hopeful.

Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer has promised that officials considering the integration of magistrates and county courts will carefully examine the position in Keighley.

Mrs Cryer said: "Under the Bill the decision to reopen or close courts will rest not with the magistrates court service as much but with ministers and Lord Falconer's response is more positive. I hope the people of Keighley will make their views known in support of the town once again having a magistrates court. The more people who express support, the greater the momentum we can gather."

Letters can be sent to Mrs Cryer at 35 Devonshire Street, Keighley BD21 2BH.

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