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Regional daily editor hits out at court closure plan

Emma TurtonPlans to close a court have been criticised by a regional daily editor as her newspaper fights to save the building.

The Burton Mail is calling on the government to keep Burton Magistrates’ Court open after it was revealed to be one of 91 courts in England and Wales under threat of closure.

Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is currently consulting on the plans, and more than 2,000 people have signed a petition urging the department to keep Burton’s 105-year-old courthouse open.

The Mail has reported on the potential closure since it was first announced earlier this year.

Editor Emma Turton, pictured above left, said: “We have taken a broad approach to coverage and have spoken to people from all walks for life who will impacted, from victims and solicitors to the police and charities such as the CAB.

“While we understand that many people will have no sympathy for criminals having to travel a few extra miles, we feel it is only right that local justice stays local.

“We also wanted to shine a light on this issue for the victims and witnesses who would face longer journeys if the court was to close.

“There is a long way to go until a decision is to be made, but the court service forms part of a town’s identity.

“It sits alongside a railway station, council buildings and the like in being cornerstones that people come to know and expect to form part of a town.”

When HMCTS announced the plans in the summer, two Cumbrian weeklies launched campaigns to save courts earmarked for closure on their respective patches.

The Westmorland Gazette and the Times & Star, Workington, urged readers to voiced their displeasure at the proposals.

Emma added: “We all understand that cuts need to be, but we hope that the court closure in Burton is one that can be avoided and we think a strong case has been made for that.

“Burton has already lost its county court – in 2013 – and to lose its magistrates’ court too would be a further blow for justice in the community.”