A TOP law society president has criticised plans to close down Bicester Magistrates’ Court claiming it could have a serious impact on lower income families and those with disabilities.
The Law Society has today responded to a Ministry of Justice consultation on proposals to close 91 courts and tribunals across the UK, including Bicester Magistrates’ Court and Family Court.
The local court is one of three magistrates’ and family courts in Oxfordshire, serving a population of 30,000 in the town.
Law Society president Jonathan Smithers said: “The proposed closure will make it more difficult for a significant number people to get to court, and the closures will more adversely affect people with disabilities and lower income families.
“Combined with the further planned increases in court fees and reductions in eligibility for legal aid, this closure will serve to deepen the inequalities in the justice system between those who can and cannot afford to pay.
“No matter who you are, no matter where you live, everyone in England and Wales must be able to access legal advice and the justice system."
Mr Smithers added many people already travel a considerable distance to get to Bicester court.
It is claimed ff it were to close then 71 per cent of court users would have to travel from one to two hours by public transport to reach court.
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