MP speaks out after decision to close courts

AN MP has launched a scathing attack on his own government for opting to close law courts.

Chichester MP Andrew Tyrie was it was ‘little short of a scandal’ that Chichester’s crown, county and magistrates’ courts will all go.

He is joined by leading lawyers in condemning the decision, with will leave West Sussex without a crown court.

Some of the cases are set to be transferred to Portsmouth.

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Fareham Magistrates’ Court will also close towards the end of the year and Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court will undergo work to host a youth court.

Mr Tyrie said: ‘Frankly, that is little short of a scandal.

‘A lot of people are going to be badly affected by the closure of these courts.

‘My constituents will be forced to travel further at additional personal expense.

‘The proposal was supported by poor and sparse data.

‘This is not a reasonable way of making public policy decisions. The government should put this decision on hold.’