A decision by the Government on how it deals with custody cases at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court will have critical implications for the town.
That is the view of Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, who has been raising concerns about the court service in Wrexham for a number of months, after Ministers replied to written Parliamentary questions on the issue.
In reply to one, Minister for the Courts and Legal Aid Shailesh Vara states there are “no current plans to cease criminal work at Wrexham magistrates’ court.”
But in reply to a detailed question about the future provision of cells at the court – likely to be crucial in ensuring its survival – Mr Vara states that the Government has not discussed the future of cells at the court with the police, despite proposals to close Wrexham Police Station.
The Minister also adds the department is “considering its options” on the issue of future cell provision at the court and that further discussions may take place once decisions have been made.
Mr Lucas said today: “While the proposed changes to Wrexham Police Station may seem some time away, I am concerned that the Ministry of Justice is taking a long time over what is likely to be a crucial decision for Wrexham.
“This is the same department that has still not decided whether it wants the prison it is proposing be based here publicly or privately run.
“The cells issue for Wrexham Magistrates’ Court is likely to have critical implications for the future of the court, and critical implications for the future of the town as a result.
“That is because the Ministry of Justice have also put forward proposals to merge Magistrates’ benches for Wrexham and Flintshire.
“If the Government choose not to provide cells within easy access of Wrexham Magistrates’ Court, the case for moving court business away from the town will grow stronger – as will the threat to the court itself.”
