Harrow Times backs fight to save Harrow Magistrates Court from closure (From Harrow Times)

Harrow Times backs fight to save Harrow Magistrates Court from closure

9:20am Thursday 29th July 2010 in

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HARROW politicians from across the political divide have joined forces to launch a campaign to save the borough's magistrates court.

The court house, in Rosslyn Crescent, is planned for closure by the coalition Government as part of a raft of cost cutting measures across the justice sector.

But the move has outraged councillors, residents, and magistrates alike, who are aghast that plans are afoot for Harrow's only magistrates to close.

Harrow Council has launched an online petition against the closure, under the banner of Local Justice for Local People, and the Harrow Times is calling on readers to sign up to the fight to save our court.

Councillor Bill Stephenson, leader of the council, said: “We will fight these proposals every step of the way.

“Our borough is one of the safest in London in part because of the excellent joint working between the courts, the police, probation service and other agencies. Closing Harrow Magistrates Court threatens to undo this good work.

“The loss to people in Harrow would also be immense.”

The plans outlined by Justice Secretary Ken Clarke would see Harrow court cases heard in either Hendon or Willesden, sparking fears witnesses would be put off testifying and cases would fall as a consequence.

Councillor Susan Hall, leader of the opposition on the council, added her backing, saying: “It is an outrage that Harrow’s court should even be considered for closure with its excellent performance figures and high usage. The financial reasons don’t even stack up as of all the courts proposed for closure in London, closing Harrow will also achieve some of the smallest savings.

“All parties on Harrow Council will stand shoulder to shoulder to fight these proposals and save the court again.”

Chief executive Michael Lockwood has begun preparing a response to the Government consultation, outlining some of the reasons why Harrow believes it should keep its court.

These include the extensive use of the court, the discouragement to witnesses, and the expense to local authorities in moving the court.

The building itself is also listed, raising questions on the levels of actual savings made from closing a building that cannot be demolished for development.

To sign up to the petition, go to www.harrow.gov.uk/saveourcourt, or sign a paper copy at one of the borough's libraries.