Simon Danczuk MP

Fighting for Rochdale, Littleborough and Milnrow

Danczuk presses case for keeping magistrates court

Rochdale’s MP, Simon Danczuk, has been pressing the case for keeping Rochdale Magistrates Court open. On Monday he met with John Foley, the Director of Her Majesty’s Court Service for Greater Manchester, and on Wednesday he was joined by Rochdale Magistrate, Viv Carter, for a meeting with the Justice Minister, Paul Djanogly MP.

Simon said: “I made the point to both the Director and the Minister that I believe their review of magistrates’ courts in Greater Manchester is flawed. I made it clear that whilst Rochdale is currently proposed for closure:

- There are other courts that aren't disabled friendly whilst Rochdale is.

- In other courts witnesses, however vulnerable they are, have to pass offenders, whilst in Rochdale there are separate entrances for witnesses so that they can't be intimidated.

- The review mentions Rochdale court having 'backlog maintenance' of £416,500 - this isn't true, the list of work required is actually for future repairs or 'desired' work such as cleaning the outside of the building

- The government are keen to use technology more in courts and Rochdale has 4 video links compared to Bolton which has 2 and Bury which has only 1

- The government want courts to be utilised more and Rochdale has a high 'utilisation figure' of 78% compared to much lower rates for other courts in Greater Manchester.

Simon continued: “I made it clear to Mr Foley that his review document did not reflect the true situation for magistrate courts in Greater Manchester and I said he should consider revising his proposals. In our meeting with the Minister, I believe he was interested to hear our concerns and I hope he will look favourably on Rochdale Magistrate Court.”

Viv Carter, a Rochdale Magistrate, who also attended the meeting in Parliament on Wednesday, with the Minister, said: “It was a very good meeting, extremely constructive, I’ve been to many such meetings and on this occasion I do believe the Minister listened to us. I’m now of the view that the Government’s consultation is a two way process and we hope to receive further information from the Ministry of Justice which will further strengthen our case to keep Rochdale Magistrates Court open.”

Simon finally stated: “Rochdale people need to see justice done in their own town and I will continue to work with magistrates, witness services, solicitors and with the public to do all we can to save our court.”