The loss of the County Court will not be easy for residents. It will be particularly difficult for hard-working staff who have given many many years of commitment to helping local people. Their dedication is second to none.
For this reason, in Parliament earlier this afternoon - during the Courts announcement - I asked the Government what help would be given for users of the County Court:
14/12/10 "Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): My constituents will strongly welcome the decision to keep Harlow magistrates court. Ours is a growth town that provides value for money. Will the county court's functions be transferred to the magistrates court or to Chelmsford? If they are transferred to Chelmsford, will consideration be given to people who have difficulty in travelling? Will a satellite county court be provided?
Mr Djanogly: Yes, and it is hoped that the retention of the magistrates court will enable business to be conducted across both".
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For many months now, I have been campaigning hard to keep both courts open. I sent two submissions (regarding the County Court and Magistrates Court) to the Government, visited our County Court, met with local solicitors and had meetings with the Justice Minister, Home Secretary and Police Constable of Essex (see picture).
At least, in terms of the Magistrates Court, Justice has been done in Harlow. There was such a weight of evidence against closing the court and it is a relief that common sense prevailed and the decision has been taken to keep this court open.
I would like to thank all the councillors, magistrates, solicitors and organisations like Council Watch, the Citizens Advice Bureau, and the Magistrates Association, for their hard work and support in this campaign.
There is also news that Harlow potentially may benefit in a modernisation programme was an added bonus.
The Justice Minister has announced an extra £22 million of investment to modernise the retained courts, including Harlow Magistrates Court.
One of the courts at Harlow and the custody suite underwent a substantial facelift some years ago and I hope that the court might now benefit from a further injection of cash.
