Four of region's Magistrates courts to close

Magistrates and county courts across the Midlands are to close as part of Government cuts, it was confirmed today.

Halesowen and West Bromwich Magistrates courts will be among those closing their doors for good.

Kidderminster and Stourbridge County Courts which handle bankruptcy cases and civil matters will also be shutting. The four courts are among the 93 magistrates' courts and 49 county courts to be closed across the country in a move which will save more than £41million.

Ministry of justice bosses say they are aiming, where possible, to redeploy the 700 staff affected nationally but around 70 positions will go.

The closures are due to start in April next year although it is thought cases at West Bromwich's Grade II listed court in Lombard Street West could be moved to Warley Magistrates Court as early as next month.

Dudley Council's community safety lead, Councillor Adrian Turner, said: "It is a shame to close Halesowen Magistrates Court but I can understand why they have done it with the cuts needed."

He said he hoped it would create greater efficiency at other nearby courts.

Some county court cases in Kidderminster will be held at the magistrates court following the shut down.

Wyre Forest District Council leader Councillor John Campion said the authority had campaigned against the closure of the county court as it is a "key part of the judicial system in this country".

Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly said: "Access to justice is not just about access to buildings. It's about the type of justice delivered, decent facilities for victims and witnesses and efficient use of the system.

"Our court estate has simply not kept pace with the changing nature of our society or with the demands modern society places on our justice system. An estate of over 500 court buildings is not now necessary or sustainable, nor is it a reasonable expense for the taxpayer.

"We are closing the worst courts — so we can concentrate our limited resources on the best ones."

The closures will not affect plans for a new magistrates court in Wolverhampton, but these are currently on hold due to a lack of cash.