CUMBRIA’S Police and Crime Commissioner has challenged the Government’s decision to close Kendal Magistrates’ Court and County Court.

Richard Rhodes has written to the Lord Chancellor Michael Gove to ask him to reconsider the cost-cutting measure.

The letter has been co-signed by South Lakes MP Tim Farron, Chair of South Cumbria Magistrates Jenny Farmer and Lord Cavendish of Furness.

The letter sets out proposals for making savings whilst keeping the court open, including a proposal, drawn up by Mr Rhodes, which would see part of the current building let out for other purposes, whilst retaining the court facilities.

It also outlines concerns about the Government’s consultation process, and insists that the closure of the court would not only harm access to justice, but lead to increased costs due to the time and money spent travelling to courts further away, particularly for the police.

Mr Rhodes said: “I am aware of the fact that there are significant concerns in the local community about the apparent decision to close the Magistrates Court at Kendal.

“It would appear that the original submissions have been declined but after a number of conversations I decided it would be appropriate to write directly to the Lord Chancellor with the support of some other influential figures in the local community who shared my concerns.”

Mr Farron said: “Local people overwhelmingly opposed the government’s proposals to close Kendal Courts, yet the government chose to press ahead with the plans.

“The closure of Kendal Courts would not only restrict access to justice, but also mean that residents and police alike would waste time, effort and resources travelling across the county to alternative facilities.

“This new proposal has now been drawn up, which recognises the need to make savings whilst retaining local access to justice. The government must show that it is willing to consider local solutions by accepting this proposal.”

The Burneside Road building is one of 86 court houses to be shut across the country. From June, criminal cases are planned to move to Barrow and Lancaster courts.