FORTY eight jobs could be at risk if a proposal to close two Dewsbury courts are approved.
Last month the Examiner revealed that the Ministry of Justice wants to close the town’s magistrate and country court as part of £36.8m cost cutting measures.
But new Dewsbury MP Simon Reevell says he is concerned about the impact on jobs.
There are 27 people employed at Dewsbury Magistrates and 21 at the town’s county court.
Although jobs could be transferred along with the cases to Huddersfield, the MP said he was worried about the potential for job losses.
He also raised concerns about the impact of people having to travel nine miles between the Dewsbury court and Huddersfield Magistrates’ – where cases could be moved to.
In his letter to Ken Clarke, Secretary of State for Justice, Simon said: “The decision to close both the magistrates and county courts in Dewsbury has upset many people living in and around the town.
“I’m especially concerned about the impact these closures will have on the poorest members of the local community – travelling to and from Huddersfield is not cheap and there must be a question mark over whether people can afford to make the journey.
“Those without access to a car will be forced to take the train or bus, which will disproportionately impact upon the elderly and disabled.
“The potential for job losses is also concerning me. If these closures are given the go-ahead almost 50 full-time members of staff will lose their jobs.”
He called for further information on plans to ensure employees of both courts will be found alternative jobs.
He also wanted to know why both the Dewsbury courts were earmarked for closure as opposed to many of the other courts in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Ministry of Justice published the proposal last month as part of plans to close 103 magistrates and 54 county courts across the country.
They believe it will save £15.3 million a year along with a saving of £21.5 million on maintenance costs that could be avoided.
There is an ongoing public consultation over the planned closures and people can comment on the plans before September 15 at www.justice.gov.uk/consultations.
