Court closure plans in Wales concerns Law Society

Image source, Crown copyright

Image caption, Clockwise from top: Brecon Law Courts, Neath and Port Talbot Court, Dolgellau Magistrates' Court and Bridgend Law Courts

Eleven planned court closures will "erode access to justice" in Wales, the Law Society has warned.

The UK government is consulting on plans to shut 91 courts and tribunals in England and Wales.

Law Society president Jonathan Smithers said it had "grave concerns" about the proposals which would mean people would have to travel elsewhere.

The government has said if the plans go ahead, 95% of people could drive to another court in an hour.

Audio caption大象传媒 Radio Wales speaks to legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg about the reasons behind the proposed closures

Carmarthenshire council met on Tuesday to should Carmarthen Law Courts shut.

Carmarthen Civil, Family, Tribunal and Probate Hearing Centre is also earmarked for closure.

Council leader Emlyn Dole said the rural nature of Carmarthenshire would make it "impossible" for some to reach hearings transferred to Swansea and Llanelli.

Mr Smithers said the society was collating solicitors' views on the plans and their impact in order to respond to the government consultation which ends on 8 October.

Courts in Wales under threat:

  • Brecon Law Courts
  • Bridgend Law Courts
  • Carmarthen Civil, Family, Tribunal and Probate Hearing Centre
  • Carmarthen Law Courts (The Guildhall)
  • Dolgellau Crown and Magistrates' Court
  • Holyhead Magistrates' Court
  • Llangefni Civil and Family Court
  • Neath and Port Talbot Civil and Family Court
  • Pontypridd Magistrates' Court
  • Prestatyn Magistrates' Court
  • Wrexham Tribunal (Rhyd Broughton)