ONE of Oxfordshire's two remaining magistrates' courts will be closed and sold off, the Government has confirmed today. 

Banbury Magistrates' and County Court is one of seven courts around the country to be shut down and put up for sale, with caseload likely to be transferred to Oxford Magistrates' Court.

The controversial plan to close the courts was finalised after public consultation launched in January, which saw 700 people respond.

Earlier this year an Oxford lawyer told the Oxford Mail he closure would heap pressure on a system that is already at 'breaking point'.

In an announcement today, justice secretary David Gauke said money from the sale of court buildings will be reinvested into the justice system.

He added: "We want to reassure communities that those affected by closures will have access to alternative courts.

"We must ensure we use public money effectively and make decisions in the best interest of the wider justice system."

A document released by the Ministry of Justice said a timeframe for the closure would be provided 'in due course'. 

It stated that 58 consultation responses were received in response to the proposal to close Banbury Magistrates’ and County Court, 51 of which were in opposition.

The document added: "Responses said that closing the court would deny access to justice to people living in Banbury and the surrounding villages and is counter to the principle of local justice and justice 'being seen to be done' in the local towns.

"Many of the respondents raised concerns regarding the increase in travel time and cost, which would result from transferring the workload to Oxford Magistrates’ Court and Oxford Combined Court, as well as the difficulties involved with travel in and around Oxford, which was cited as being over-congested."

In response to these concerns, the document continued: "It is our view that the journey times will be reasonable and that there will not be an impact on access to justice.

"We recognise that there are currently significant construction works and roadworks being undertaken in Oxford.

"Following completion of these roadworks, congestion in and around the city centre will be eased and travel times reduced."

It said even though Banbury is a growing town, the court remained 'under-utilised', adding: "We are confident that there will be sufficient capacity available in Oxford to receive the workload from Banbury, however we will keep this under review."

According to the document, the court sat for 1,877 hours in 2017-18, a 'utilisation rate' of 50 per cent.

The Ministry of Justice paper said there are 21 members of staff at the Banbury court and it will 'work with all staff to arrange a suitable alternative work location'.

Banbury MP Victoria Prentis said she was 'extremely disappointed' with the decision to close.

She added: "I made it very clear in my consultation response that centralising judicial proceedings at Oxford was not a viable solution given the distance people will have to travel and capacity issues at the courts in Oxford.

"Oxford is simply too far, particularly for those using public transport."

She said if the plan goes ahead, it is 'essential' to explore alternative venues for justice.

The MP said there was support for using the town hall for court proceedings, adding: "I am absolutely committed to making sure Banbury remains a viable location for local justice.”

For the list of courts closing and more details see here.