THERE may be no Magistrates' Court for Abergavenny if cost cutting plans get the go-ahead.

Concern is growing over the proposed closure of the building which hasn't been used since December last year.

Consultation documents just published by Her Majesty's Courts Service (HMCS) outlines proposals to modernise and improve the use of courts in England and Wales and is asking for views on a number of proposed magistrates' and county court closures.

Abergavenny Magistrates' Court is a purpose built 1960s style court building. The report states that although it will be possible for the work 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.

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.

Although there is no permanent staff based at Abergavenny, HMCS will liaise with staff and trade unions based within the Local Justice Area.

The consultation document concludes, "Should the decision be taken to close it a full implementation plan will be produced to ensure the smooth transfer of work."

However, local AM Nick Ramsay has vowed to make strong representations in favour of the court, he said, "Although I welcome news that views are to be sought on how court services can be improved, I think it would be a great shame if Abergavenny Magistrates' Court was to close. This court has met the needs of the local community for many years and I will certainly be making representations to the Ministry of Justice in favour of maintaining the status quo."   

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

The consultation states that these eight courts do not reflect changes in population, workload or transport and communication links since they were originally opened. The overall reduction in workload in magistrates' courts has led to a utilisation rate in 2009-10 of 56.3 per cent. Without reducing the number of magistrates' courts operated out of in Gwent, HMCS say it is unable to provide an efficient service.

Courts Minister Jonathan Djanogly said, "When public finances are under pressure, it is vital to eliminate waste and reduce costs. The Government is committed to supporting local justice, enabling justice to be done and seen to be done in our communities. Magistrates hear the majority of criminal cases and this voluntary contribution will continue to be strongly supported by the government as the bedrock of our justice system.

"The arrangements we have are historical and now need to be re-assessed to ask whether they properly meet the needs of communities as they are today – we increasingly use the internet and email to communicate and access services and we travel further to work, for leisure and to do our weekly shop. We now have the opportunity to think afresh about how we can create a more modern fit-for-purpose justice system in line with the way we live our lives today. Not all disputes need to be resolved in court."

"I want to explore whether more people can resolve their disputes in a way that leads to faster and more satisfactory solutions. Across the civil, family and criminal courts I want to explore ways we can harness technology more effectively so people don't necessarily have to physically attend court when they give evidence or access court services."

In Gwent, Abertillery Magistrates' Court and Chepstow County Court are also earmarked for closure.

To view the consultation documents visit http://www.justice.gov.uk">www.justice.gov.uk