MPs will meet with a government official to express their concerns at the proposed closure of Waltham Forest Magistrates’ Court.
Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith, Leyton MP John Cryer and Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy will hold talks tomorrow (Wednesday) with Jonathan Djanogly, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice.
Waltham Forest Magistrates’ Court in Forest Road is one of 103 courts across the country which could be closed as part of an efficiency drive.
A total of 17 staff are in danger off losing their jobs.
The plan involves expanding Stratford Magistrates’ Court to accommodate extra capacity.
Local magistrates fear the closure could undermine local confidence in the justice system and threaten progress made to encourage victims of domestic violence to come forward.
Stella Creasy said she is very concerned the closure could increase the workload of already stretched local probation and prosecution services.
She said: “This meeting is for us to get to grips with the proposals for the court.
“We want to know how the consultation process will be conducted and whether the Ministry of Justice will be open to views and ideas.
“Hopefully, we will know a lot more after tomorrow's meeting.”
Leyton MP John Cryer admits the magistrates' court is threatened with closure every few years.
He said: "I just don't undertand it. It will put a lot of pressure on to Stratford Magistrates.
"If it goes, Waltham Forest's probation service will completely disappear. That cannot be right.
"At the moment, I have no idea what to expect.
"If they are open minded and listen, there's every chance of success.
"But, if they've already made the decision to close, we are in a difficult position."
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith added: “Apart from the redundancies that would be caused, it would force victims and witnesses to travel long distances to Stratford or Bow.
"It would also result in a much slower criminal justice process.
“I am also concerned about the impact on domestic violence victims as Waltham Forest had made special arrangements for these people.
“While I understand the need for cuts in these times, the closure of this court makes no sense, and I hope to make these points to the minister in our meeting.”
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