The axing of courts around South Wales will have wide-ranging consequences for the administration of justice, says two Plaid Cymru AMs.
The Ministry of Justice announced today they plan to close a third of their magistrates courts, along with a further 54 county courts in England and Wales.
Courts earmarked for closures include Barry, Aberdare and Rhondda which all fall within the South Wales Central region Leanne Wood, a former probation officer, and Chris Franks represent.
Ms Wood 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, taken together, 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.”
Chris Franks AM, who also represents the South Wales Central region, said: “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 Britain 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.”
