PROPOSALS to close Waltham Forest Magistrates’ Court are “deeply flawed and inadequate”, according to MPs.
Iain Duncan Smith, Stella Creasy and John Cryer are challenging a Government decision to earmark the court for closure as part of an efficiency drive.
They met Jonathan Djanogly, under-Secreatry of State at the Ministry of Justice, on Wednesday to push for a rethink, claiming the case for closure is based on flawed data.
An impact statement compiled by the Waltham Forest bench and backed by the MPs, also argues that the plan will have a direct impact on the “unfortunately high” number of mostly female victims of domestic violence in the borough.
A service enabling victims to seek protection from the court from harrasment and abuse will be removed, if the plan goes ahead.
This, the magistrates argue, “is the very antithesis of local justice and must be viewed with concern by all with a regard for community welfare.”
It also states that the court is the most efficient in north east London, with a trial delay period which is shorter than other courts.
The amount of time Waltham Forest courtrooms are in use is already in line with the Government target.
The proposals contain no details of costs, such as those incurred to expand Stratford Magistrates’ Court and transport witnesses and staff further, it is claimed.
The Probation service based at the court would also have to be relocated at great expense, the statement says.
The Magistrates say the travel times detailed in the proposal are misleading, with elderly residents most affected by the extra travel distance.
It states: “Victims will feel even more isolated and witnesses will be less inclined to make the commitment necessary to give evidence - prolonging cases and increasing associated costs or, more worryingly, preventing them going ahead.”
At Wednesday's meeting, the MPs argued that a proper consultation cannot be held until these issues are addressed.
Speaking afterwards Iain Duncan Smith said: “It went well. We had a good exchange of views.
“I feel we were heard, but I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic about it.
“We got our points across that we want this court to stay open.
“We hope a proper review of the figures will be conducted before any decision is made.”
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy said: “We’re up against the clock.
“Our concern was about the information being passed to the minister.
“We have a more clear understanding of what they want to achieve.
“We’ve made our point that there should be a general consultation on this and we will consider our next move.”
Mr Duncan Smith has confirmed he will hold talks with David Evans, Deputy Chair of the Magistrates' Bench, next Thursday and plans to meet with staff at Waltham Forest Magistates' Court.
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