Campaigns to save local courts from closure have been launched by two Cumbrian weeklies.

The Westmorland Gazette and the Times & Star, Workington, are both bidding to save courts on their patch from the axe after the Ministry of Justice announced plans to close 91 buildings across the country in a cost-cutting measure.

The Newsquest-owned Gazette has printed a coupon in its paper, pictured below, for readers to voice their displeasure at the proposed closure of Kendal Magistrates’ Court and County Court.

The CN Group-owned Times & Star has joined forces with Workington MP Sue Hayman to launch a petition on the matter.

Under the plans, people on the Times & Star’s patch could face a 90 mile round trip to Carlisle for hearings.

Those living on the Gazette’s patch would have to travel to Barrow-in-Furness, 40 miles away.

Andrew Thomas, content editor at the Gazette, told readers: “Closing Kendal’s court would be a hugely retrograde step.

“It would involve victims, witnesses and the accused travelling unacceptably long distances to Barrow.

“Justice should be done and seen to be done in the local area.

“I would urge everyone to sign our coupon to help save the court.”

Steve Johnston, Times & Star editor, said: “The closure of Workington’s court would be a backward step. As well as the inconvenience to witnesses, victims and others it would also be a blow to the status of the area.

“Newspapers like ours have always reported court proceedings. If the court moves away, it will just make it harder for people here to know that justice is being seen and done.

“We therefore urge people to sign this petition in a bid to keep justice local.”