Conor McGinn MP, responding to the announcement that St Helens Magistrates Court is to close, said:
“This is bad news for the town and for residents of St Helens North.
“We await further and final details from the Ministry of Justice, but it would appear that the functions of the Court will move to Liverpool.
“Many appointments at Court are often first thing in the morning, and without access to adequate transport attendance will simply be unfeasible for many of my constituents. This is particularly the case for the people who live in places likeхЪRainford, Billinge, Moss Bank and Haydock and rural areas, who have to travel just to reach direct bus and rail services to Liverpool.
“Added to that, the cost of the train or bus to Liverpool will also have an impact on vulnerable people in my constituency whether they are victims, witnesses or defendants. Someone’s financial means should not affect their ability to access the justice system.
“Today’s announcement is another attempt by the Tory Government to denigrate the status of St Helens as a major town in the North West. We must not let them succeed.”
The link to Conor’s court consultation response in full and recent parliamentary question on the courthouseхЪcan be found below:
http://www.conormcginn.co.uk/conor-campaigns-to-keep-st-helens-courthouse-open
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2016-01-26b.147.6