Call for new magistrates after court closures

SET to go: Oldham Magistrates’ Court

AN APPEAL has been made for new magistrates in Oldham and the whole of Greater Manchester.

Although Oldham Magistrates' Court is due to close soon, applications are welcome from anyone wanting to play an essential role in Britain's legal system.

The Chronicle reported last month on the news that Oldham Magistrates' Court is set to close on September 23, with all cases going to Tameside.

Both Oldham Magistrates' and Oldham County Court are among 86 of 91 courts nationwide threatened with closure within two years.

Under a court closure programme announced by the government last July, a 12-week consultation period was put in place to close all county courts in Greater Manchester, with the exception of Wigan and Manchester.

Transferred

Cases for Oldham Magistrates' Court, on West Street, which has 22 staff and annual operating costs of £418,000, will be transferred to Tameside Magistrates' Court in Ashton.

No professional qualifications are needed to become a magistrate but anyone thinking of applying must be aged between 18 and 65 and be able to sit on the bench for at least 13 days a year. It is not a paid appointment but magistrates can claim out of pocket expenses.

Applicants will also need to understand documents, follow evidence and communicate effectively.

Further help and application forms can also be obtained by calling 0161 830 4331 or by emailing gm-advisory@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk.