Call to suspend sentence on Oldham courts

Oldham Magistrates Court: closure fear

LABOUR councillors are writing to Justice Secretary Michael Gove to urge him to reconsider the closure of Oldham’s magistrate and county courts.

The closure is part of a national plan to close 21 courts across the region. Oldham magistrate cases - handled by a court staff of 22 at a cost of £418,000 a year - will be transferred to Tameside. County court operations - covered by 31 staff and costing £666,000 a year — will transfer to the Manchester Civil Justice Centre.

The appeal, moved by Councillor Shaid Mushtaq and backed by Councillor Cath Ball, will be presented at tomorrow ’s full council meeting.

The motion says closure of the court in Oldham will have a “much more profound effect” than in other areas. especially when combined with other policies and ‘tough decisions’ of the Government.

The motion suggests greater travel costs and distance will hit court users and the potential loss of law firms moving away from Oldham to nearer the court could hit the local economy.