A poor decision

A body called the "Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority" (GLMCA) has taken its decision: Kingston's Magistrates' Courts should close.

From next April, local people and businesses could all have to go to Wimbledon. Thousands of hours of police time will be lost - in travelling. Travel time paid for by us.

Having campaigned hard with many others to prevent this decision, it's disappointing news indeed.

Our last chance is an appeal: Kingston Council can refer this to the Lord Chancellor's Department and I'm delighted to say it plans to do just that. This poor decision must be fought as hard as possible.

We still have a real chance.

The Government's new White Paper on reforming the Criminal Justice System talks about unifying the management of criminal courts. With Kingston's modern Crown Court just a stone's throw from our magistrates' courts, that policy makes sense, would save money and could be piloted here. After all, Ministers launched the White Paper from Kingston's Crown Court!

Kingston has enjoyed its own magistrates' courts for over 800 years. This GLMCA has existed for only 2 years - and will be abolished under the White Paper's proposals.

So, unlike the GLMCA, Kingston will continue to thrive. Indeed, Kingston has never been more prosperous and has never had more people than it has today. So why, after 800 years, get rid of our Courts now?