The proposed closure of a courthouse has been slammed by an MP as "bad news" for access to justice in the area.

Last week the Justice Ministry announced cost-saving plans to shut the magistrates’ court, county court and family court in Hatchlands Road, Redhill.

Witnesses, defendants and victims, including those from Epsom, would have to travel to Guildford and Staines as part of plans to shut "underused" courts in England and Wales.

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A fathers' rights activist climbs on the courthouse in Redhill earlier this year

Reigate and Banstead’s MP Crispin Blunt has called for alternatives to be considered saying: "It is bad news that we might lose our local courts.

"At the least, it would mean the serious inconvenience of transporting suspects from the police custody suite in Salfords all the way to Guildford and Staines. It would also significantly impact access to justice in the east of the county."

Of the austerity drive, he said: "I accept that this will mean difficult decisions, but these should not be unreasonable."

A ministry consultation document said Redhill courthouse was only used at about 49 per cent capacity despite operating costs of approximately £477,000 in 2014/15.

The document said moving the criminal workload to Guildford and Staines would mean the courts could be more flexible when listing cases.

It said: "An improved more efficient service can then be delivered with courts being used more efficiently and effectively."

On Thursday, courts minister Shailesh Vara announced a 12-week consultation on the closure of 91 courts and tribunals in England and Wales as part of wide-reaching reforms.

He said: "To ensure that access to justice is maintained, even in more rural locations, we are committed to providing alternative ways for users to access our services.

"That can mean using civic and other public buildings, such as town halls, for hearings instead of underused, poorly-maintained permanent courts."

Many defendants from Epsom pass through the law courts in Redhill because the town’s own county court closed about five years ago.

Redhill courthouse, built in 1977, has 24 permanent staff members whose jobs may be put at risk. It is located 26 miles from Guildford and 30 miles from Staines.

Susan Lochner, chairman of the Magistrates' Association Surrey branch, said: "It is always our prime objective that the efficient administration of the law must be balanced with proper access to justice for all parties concerned, and it is clear to us that this should mean the provision of courts with the necessary facilities as locally as possible.

"We are looking at the proposals for Redhill Magistrates’ Court with our members, and once their views are known we will make our representations as a part of the consultation."

Magistrates Association

To see the proposals visit https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/proposal-on-the-provision-of-court-and-tribunal-es/user_uploads/official-sensitive_south-east-consultation_final.doc