THE leader of Hartlepool Council has hit out at Government proposals which recommend closure of Hartlepool Magistrates’ and County Court.

Cllr Christopher Akers-Belcher was speaking after Courts and Tribunals Minister Shailesh Vara announced that consultation was under way recommending that 91 courts and tribunals are closed in England and Wales due to them being underused.

Cllr Akers-Belcher said: "A town of Hartlepool’s size should have its own Magistrates’ and County Court and I am deeply concerned that the Government is proposing closure.

“Closure would result in many people having to make the journey to courts outside of the Hartlepool area which would be inconvenient, costly and impact adversely on the environment.

“This is yet another example of Government cuts which will without doubt have a hugely detrimental effect on people at a local level.

“The council will be responding formally to the consultation once it has had the opportunity to debate the issue in full and I expect councillors will have very strong views on the proposals.

"I would also urge those that live and work in Hartlepool to participate in the consultation process.”