Anger has greeted a Government decision to close Keighley courts.

The county Court in Keighley town centre and the magistrates’ court, which sits in Bingley, will be axed but Skipton magistrates’ and county courts have been saved.

All four courts were included in a consultation to close 157 courthouses across the country as part of a cost-saving measure which ministers claim will save £41.5 million in running costs and a possible £38.5m from the sale of assets.

Only ten magistrates’ and five county courts – including Skipton – were last night spared the axe by courts minister Jonathan Djanogly.

Both Shipley MP Philip Davies and Keighley MP Kris Hopkins had lobbied ministers in an attempt to keep the courts open.

Mr Davies said: “The retention of Skipton at least shows the minister acknowledged the problems he had caused with the proposals, but I am nonetheless disappointed that courts in Bingley are to close.”

The Government wants more evidence given via videolink and in January trials will begin where police give evidence via the new means. Mr Djanogly claims it will save police time and money allowing officers to be on the beat.

Mr Hopkins said: “While it is regrettable that Keighley Magistrates’ Court in Bingley and Keighley County Court are to close, I am nonetheless pleased that the two courts at Skipton are to be retained.

“Sadly, the Government was placed in a difficult position because of the need to save money and, having spoken to the minister, I know some of the decisions taken were ones he would have rather have avoided.”

Labour attacked the closure programme, branding it a “wholesale destruction” of the foundations of British justice.

Keighley-based solicitor, Paul Fitzpatrick also condemned the decision to axe the court in Bingley, saying it compromised the community’s ability to access justice for the sake of “questionable” savings.

He said: “I can foresee it may herald the relocation of other agencies involved in the criminal justice process which will have a disproportionate effect on the most vulnerable in society.”

It was also contrary to the Government’s flagship policy to create a climate that empowers local people.

“People may feel that this is a move in the opposite direction,” he said.

Solicitor Keith Blackwell, who also works from Keighley, said: “It’s a massive tragedy for this area and a huge backward step. It robs us of an important institution at a time when this area is growing in population.

“Imagine the travel time wasted.”

Skipton MP Julian Smith, who battled to save Skipton Magistrates’ Court and the County Court, said: “Throughout the campaign we always said that there were clear reasons why the cases heard at Skipton Magistrates’ Court and Skipton County Court should continue to be heard at Skipton rather than in Harrogate or Bradford and I am pleased that the Government has listened to those views.”