MP Warns Plans Pose “Danger To Wrexham’s Courts”

Wrexham’s MP Ian Lucas has called on Ministers to explain why crucial decisions on Wrexham’s courts are being made by a clerk more than 100 miles away in Llanelli.

During questions to Minsters in the Justice department yesterday, Mr Lucas asked Minister for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims Mike Penning: “When I had a meeting about my local magistrates court merger with the Courts Service, the court clerk in charge of the decision was based in Llanelli. Does the Minister regard that as local justice?

In reply, Mr Penning said: “I honestly think that when we look at the courts estate we need to make sure it is fit for purpose around the country. Where someone is based is immaterial. What we need to do is ensure we make the right decisions.”

Speaking this morning, Mr Lucas said: “There has been a long-running push to merge court services in North East Wales and much discussion of the proposals.

“Following initial consultation, it appeared the Ministry of Justice had abandoned their plans as ‘there was insufficient support from amongst the magistrates for a merger to proceed.

“However, as I revealed in an earlier House of Commons debate I secured on this issue, after the plans were withdrawn, business at the courts was cancelled on particular days and transferred to Mold anyway – despite opposition by local solicitors.

“These proposals have been consulted on, discussed and debated by those involved. They have been abandoned once, then resurrected by the back door.

“Now Ministers are saying that ‘where someone is based is immaterial.’

“Working together to save services and money is one thing – but what the Ministry of Justice is doing is something quite different, and, I believe, poses a real danger to Wrexham’s courts.”