In November 2015, I remarked in a letter on the Law Society’s excellent document setting out reasoned argument why the vast majority of court closures were unjustified. The government’s response was to ignore it and close all but a handful.
Following the progress of the closures since has been a depressing experience, while noting in particular the number of excellent magistrates who have resigned and whose experience and expertise is lost forever.
I see it is intended to complete the closure programme by September. This presupposes that suitable alternative venues have been organised. If only for purposes of comparison, it would be appropriate for the Society to publish a further document dealing with each closure and its consequences for the profession and, in particular, the public.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime event worthy of a definitive record.
John Greenwood, Chippenham, Wilts
