Liberal Democrat Assembly Member, Veronica German AM, has added her voice to protests at the proposed closure of Abergavenny Magistrates' Court.

Her Majesty's Courts Service (HMCS) outlined proposals in June to modernise and improve the use of courts in England and Wales.

The HMCS report states that although it will be possible for the work at Abergavenny Magistrates' Court to be relocated to any court within the area it is likely that much of the work will be transferred to Cwmbran or Newport.

It also says that the facilities are generally good but the lack of cell accommodation limits the cases that may be listed.

Ms. German said, "If the courthouse is closed, many people from the north of Gwent will face a longer journey when they have to appear in court.

"They will have to travel to Newport or Cwmbran rather than going to a local court.

HMCS currently operates eight magistrates' courts in the Local Justice Area (LJA) of Gwent and sits with one bench of magistrates.

The 2009/10 operating costs of Abergavenny Magistrates' Court was £126,584 and the closure of the courthouse would also remove the need for HMCS investment in backlog maintenance of around £631,000.

Veronica German has contributed towards the consultation, suggesting that the Abergavenny court should be kept open.

She added, " The courthouse at Abergavenny has only recently been refurbished.

"I can understand that the Courts Service is looking for value for money, but it makes no sense to close a building down when you've just spent £500k on refurbishing it. I hope that the Courts Service will be willing to think again about their plans."