4:58pm Wednesday 28th July 2010
By Martin George
Dozens of magistrates, councillors, lawyers and members of the public staged a demonstration outside Kingston Guildhall today, to support the Surrey Comet's campaign against Government plans to close the borough's historic magistrates' court.
Protestors waving save our court placards gathered more than 100 signatures backing our campaign, which aims to protect local justice for local people, prevent Kingston police's time being wasted commuting to distant courts and preserve the town as a unique centre of legal excellence.
Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith, Kingston mayor Councillor Chrissie Hitchcock, bench chairman David Mulholland, Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Derek Osbourne and his Conservative counterpart Councillor Howard Jones all united for the 1pm show of support.
Mr Mulholland said: “I'm really pleased at the demonstration. We were delighted by so many magistrates, councillors and members of the public.
“I think our chances are very good. We are one of the cheapest courts and one of the most efficient in terms of the work we do.
“If they don't take that on board it is nonsense. They are proposing to keep open some very inefficient court buildings.”
BBC London was also filming the event, and is expected to air a report this evening.
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