Plaid Cymru has tabled a statement of opinion against proposed court closures announced by Ministers in London.
The UK government has announced plans to close 157 law courts, including 18 in Wales: Barry, Aberdare, Llwynypia, Ammanford, Cardigan, Llandovery, Denbigh, Pwllheli, Flint, Chepstow, Abertillery, Abergavenny, Llangefni (all Magistrates’ courts) plus County Courts in Chepstow, Aberdare, Rhyl, Pontypool and Llangefni.
The axing of courts across Wales will have wide-ranging consequences for the administration of justice, according to two Plaid Cymru AMs.
Chris Franks AM, who represents the South Wales Central region, and tabled the statement of opinion said: “We are calling on the Con-Dem government to reconsider the decision to close these courts. There is concern that the majority of the proposed closures would have a big impact, not only on jobs, services but on the efficient functioning of the criminal justice system in Wales.
“It is surprising that the Liberal Democrats have been unable make good their promise to temper the right-wing policies of their coalition partners.
“Millions of people voted for the Liberal Democrats on the basis that they would make the UK fairer. These voters must be shaking their head in dismay right now.
“The centralisation by the Tory led government in London means that fewer services will be available to people in the Vale of Glamorgan and the Valleys.
“I hope that people will take part in the consultation to make their views known. We need to keep the courts based in Barry and the valleys and not move elsewhere.”
Courts earmarked for closures include Barry, Aberdare and Rhondda all fall within the South Wales Central region that Leanne Wood and Chris Franks represent.
Ms Wood a former probation officer said: “No one is surprised to see the devastating cuts that the Tories are planning to our public services, despite their claims to protect front line services and the most vulnerable. Not only are jobs at risk, but these court closures threaten to devastate the administration of justice in our communities.
“This news comes at the same time as the announcement of a review of the £2 billion legal aid bill. These two measures could risk creating a two-tier criminal justice system; one for those who can pay and another for those who can’t. Everyone should have equal access to justice.”
“In the Cynon and Rhondda valleys, people called to court hearing will be forced to travel all the way to Pontypridd, which, if you live in Maerdy, is a long and difficult journey, especially if you don’t have a car.
“The closures will also see travelling expenses spiralling and higher costs are bound to be incurred by delays in hearing cases as a result of these changes.
“It will also have a knock-on effect on local businesses that cater for court staff and the people that are called to be there, whether as defendant or witness.
“These closures will save a mere £40 million – much more risks being lost by trying to administer justice on the cheap.”
