LAUNCESTON Magistrates' Court is set to close, the Ministry of Justice confirmed on Tue­s­day.

Although there has been talk of a possible closure in the past, the confirmation (subject to consultation) has been described as a "considerable blow" to the town by Launceston Town Mayor, Cllr Paul O'Brien.

He told the 'Post': "It annoys me that all of these decisions are always taken simply on a financial basis.

"Central government decided, for whatever reason, just to cut back and in fact ordinary people have to bear the brunt. I cannot see how it helps justice if someone has to go a minimum of 20-odd miles to give evidence in what might be a fairly small road traffic collision. It's just another kick in the teeth."

Cllr O'Brien added: "What can we do? I don't know is the simple answer. I'm not sure what we can do but we'll explore all the possibilities."

The matter is due to be discussed at next Tuesday's meeting of Launceston Town Council.

The proposal to close Launceston Magistrates' Court — located on Dunheved Road — was revealed in a statement from Jack Straw, The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Minister of State, said: "The government is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to justice and that justice is provided locally. We need to ensure that we have a modern court estate that is properly aligned to where services are needed, that the estate is efficiently utilised and that courts have the necessary facilities for victims and witnesses and to allow proper access for court users with disabilities.

"The government must always look to ensure there is an effective and efficient system to deliver justice so that we can continue to provide these vital public services at a level that offers real value for money for the taxpayer."

Mr Straw said that, having considered this, and following a recommendation from the HM Courts Service Board, he announced the intention to consult on the closure of a number of courts, Launceston included.

The statement said that the majority of the courts

are currently "significantly under utilised."

Local representative groups, including members of the judiciary and HMCS staff, have been consulted and as a result, decisions have already been taken not to list any work in these courts.

They added: "In all cases there are alternative courts within a reasonable travelling distance where services will continue to be provided."

Despite HMCS making significant improvements to the courts over recent years, Mr Straw said they needed to ensure that court buildings have suitable facilities for all court users.

"Many of the courts listed do not have adequate facilities for victims and witnesses; in addition a number of the buildings do not allow adequate access for disabled court users.

"Due to the low utilisation rates and in some courts, physical constraints, I do not believe it would provide good value for money to spend taxpayers' money to bring these buildings up to the required standard at the taxpayers' expense."

Mr Straw said he was keen to hear the views of court users and other interested parties; and added that the consultation exercises will allow them to express their views on the proposals.

"I will make a decision on how to proceed after consideration of those representations.

Earlier this year the magistrates' court was 'closed temporarily' or 'mothballed' while a review was carried out by East Cornwall Magistrates officials.

Launceston, once the capital of Cornwall (until 1835) originally held an assize court — the modern equivalent being a Crown Court now held in Truro.

The building where the magistrates' court sits is shared with the register office and Social Services.

The Launceston court has also been occasionally used for inquest hearings held by the Cornwall coroner, whose office is based in Truro.