West Midlands courts could close

Magistrates and county courts across the West Midlands could close as part of Government cuts.

Hundreds of public sector jobs could go, after the Government announced 38 courts could be axed in the region.

These include Tamworth, Stoke, Halesowen and West Bromwich magistrates courts, along with Tamworth County Court which handles bankruptcy cases.

Across England and Wales, the closure of 103 magistrates courts and 54 county courts is to be consulted on. Courts Minister Jonathan Djanogly believes they aere "under-used" and "inadequate."

If all 157 sites are axed, some £15.3million per year could be saved in running costs and a further £21.5million on maintenance.

In West Bromwich, plans for a new magistrates court for Spon Lane are now likely to be scrapped.

Plans were passed in April this year and the modern court was due to replace the current Grade II listed one in Lombard Street West, dating back to 1890.

Councillor Ian Jones, jobs and economy boss at Sandwell Council said: "This is disappointing news, both in terms of justice and the regeneration of West Bromwich. We need to question whether everything can be dealt with at Warley Magistrates.

"It doesn't sound like this will make for swift justice."

Ministers want to explore advances in technology to save money. It means future disputes could be resolved on-line or via video and telephone links.

Mr Djanogly said: "When public finances are under pressure, it is vital to eliminate waste and reduce costs.

"The Government is committed to supporting local justice, enabling justice to be done and seen to be done in our communities.

"The arrangements we have are historical and now need to be re-assessed to ask whether they properly meet the needs of communities as they are today.

"We now have the opportunity to think afresh about how we can create a more modern fit-for-purpose justice system in line with the way we live our lives today.

"Not all disputes need to be resolved in court. I want to explore whether more people can resolve their disputes in a way that leads to faster and more satisfactory solutions.

"Across the civil, family and criminal courts I want to explore ways we can harness technology more effectively, so people don't necessarily have to physically attend court when they give evidence or access court services."