MAGISTRATES have again hit out at threats to shut Stroud court after plans to build new custody centres in Gloucester and Cheltenham were axed.

The Ministry of Justice, which is overseeing a consultation on whether to terminate 103 of the 530 magistrates’ courts in the UK, says the closure of the Stroud bench is dependent on additional custody accommodation being made available in Gloucester.

However, the Gloucestershire police Authority has since announced that a project to build new custody suites and police staff offices at Waterwells in Gloucester and Bishops Cleeve in Cheltenham is ‘no longer a viable and affordable investment for the force.’ The withdrawal comes two months after the constabulary was told it would have its funding slashed by more than £1 million this year as part of the government’s cost-cutting measures.

Stroud is one of three courts in the county, alongside Coleford and Cirencester, which has been earmarked for closure pending the conclusion of the MoJ’s consultation in September.

Gloucester Magistrates’ Court, which would take on the bulk of Stroud’s work, has no cells available for court use while the Cheltenham bench is at full stretch with only four at its disposal.

John Thornhill, chairman of the magistrates’ association said: "This latest development from the police demonstrates all too clearly the lack of joined up thinking between the criminal justice agencies when it comes to providing justice for local people.

"The current consultation on proposals to close three local courts in Gloucestershire, including Stroud, demonstrates a sense of haste without prior involvement of local magistrates and other court users and justice agencies."

Last week, Gloucestershire magistrates warned that vulnerable court users in Stroud face lengthy and expensive public transport journeys to Gloucester and Cheltenham, including fares of almost £6 by bus.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice told the SNJ: "Ministers have said they are keen to hear the views of everyone with an interest in local justice arrangements.

"We will take all views into account before making any decision on which courts ought to be closed and when." Do you believe the closure of Stroud Magistrates’ Court would seriously affect the administration of justice in the town? Or is it a necessary savings cut for the government? Leave your comments here…