Bassetlaw: MP ‘appalled’ by more delays to Worksop courthouse closure decision

MP for Basetlaw John Mann said he was ‘appalled’ at the delayed response to the consultation on Worksop Courthouse.
MP for Bassetlaw John MannMP for Bassetlaw John Mann
MP for Bassetlaw John Mann

In Parliament today (Tuesday 1st July), John Mann MP asked Justice Minister Chris Grayling MP whether the destruction of local justice in Bassetlaw would ‘weigh heavily on his conscience.’

In response, the Justice Minister admitted that he ‘was not aware’ of the plans to close Worksop Courthouse.

John Mann MP commented: “The Government’s treatment of Bassetlaw’s local justice has been appalling.”

“The response to the consultation was meant to be published weeks ago, but has still not been made public.”

“Today in Parliament the Justice Minister admitted that he had no idea about the plans to close the courthouse, despite the debate I led on the subject in April this year.”

“We need more police officers on our streets and the ability to deal with criminals locally and quickly.”

A six-week consultation into the closure of the courthouse began in April and proposed reducing the number and type of cases held in the Potter Street building.

It proposed sending all youth, family, civil and criminal cases to Mansfield Magistrates’ Court, with the building in Worksop would only be used for sentencings, civil and family work when it cannot be accommodated in courts elsewhere.

The response to the consultation on the closure of the courthouse was due to be published on 20th June, but has been repeatedly delayed.