A regional daily court reporter has urged the government to save a magistrates’ court she covers from closure.

The Ministry of Justice has earmarked Cambridge Magistrates’ Court as one of a number of centres which could close under new proposals.

But Cambridge News court reporter Tara Cox, pictured, has called on the MoJ to reconsider, citing the impact such a move could have on defendants who live on her patch.

If the closure went ahead, the nearest magistrates’ courts to Cambridge would be in Huntingdon, 18 miles away, or Peterborough, almost 40 miles away.

In a comment piece about the plans, Tara wrote: “Despite opening less than 10 years ago, Cambridge Magistrates’ Court has become a key building in the city centre. After hearing that the city could lose its magistrates’ court, as a court reporter I understand just how much this could affect defendants who live locally.

“The Ministry of Justice says closing the court and selling off the building could generate funds for the court and tribunal services – but isn’t it more important that justice stays local?”

Tara urged readers to have their say in a 10-week consultation on the plans, which began on Friday.

She added: “The proposals state that, if the court were to close, more cases would be held at courts in Peterborough and Huntingdon. But through no fault of anyone in particular, proceedings at the court don’t often run to plan.

“Every day there are delays, adjournments, and rescheduling of court hearings at the last minute. If you want to find out exactly how the magistrates’ court operates – the News reported every word from court in a live blog just a few weeks ago.

“If you take all that, and move proceedings to Huntingdon or Peterborough – imagine just how much the efficiency of the justice system as it stands currently could be impacted further.”

Other courts under threat include Banbury Magistrates’ and County Court, Maidenhead Magistrates’ Court, Chorley Magistrates’ Court, Fleetwood Magistrates’ Court, Northallerton Magistrates’ Court, Wandsworth County Court and Blackfriars Crown Court.

Justice Minister Lucy Frazer said: “This government is investing over £1bn to reform and modernise the justice system – making it more convenient, easier to use, and providing better value for the taxpayer.

“As we increase the use of digital services, it makes sense to consider the wider role and need for court buildings and assess whether some are still necessary to provide effective access to justice. Where physical courts are to close, every penny raised will be put back into funding changes which will make justice easier to access for all at the same time as offering protections for the most vulnerable.”