Plans to fight court closure

Rochdale Magistrates Court

Rochdale Borough Council agreed to carry forward a motion regarding the proposed closure of Rochdale Magistrates Court.

A decision was made at a meeting attended by all council members to prepare a case to object to the proposed closure in the ‘strongest possible terms.’

The message from the Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Irene Davidson was: “This council will do more – we will speak louder.”

The Deputy Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Ashley Dearnley said: “I have a particular concern about the witnesses who attend court cases, they are not all economically well off and if they have to travel to Bury of Bolton there will be an extra burden.

“We must also think about people who work for this council, such as social workers, currently they can pop in and out in they have a case to deal with, with a move to Bury the process will be much longer, it could be half a day or more.

“This building is relatively new, it is in good condition and it has good disabled access, it is ideal.”

Councillor Dearnley continued: “I can see what will happen in the long run, the merged court will need money spending on it to improve it.

“The structure of the court attached to the police station works very well and if we lose it goodness knows what it will be used for. It could have a serious impact on the regeneration of Rochdale.”

Councillor Wera Hobhouse added: “It is very important that we all stick together. This is a local facility not a political facility we must be completely together.”

Cabinet member for Skills and Economic Recovery, Councillor Keith Swift said: “This will create a further loss of jobs for Rochdale, jobs for the people who make the court work will be lost and it will also have a negative effect on local businesses. If people are at Bury Magistrates instead of Rochdale they will be spending their money on a cup of coffee, or a bite to eat there.

“The closure of the court will be detrimental to Rochdale businesses.”