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Devon County Complains About Court Closures
A body representing rural interests has warned that the closure of magistrates' courts across Devon is putting a strain on police budgets and threatening to undermine access to the justice system.
Rural Services Network chairman Cecilia Motley said: "Access to justice is a fundamental right – no matter where somebody lives."
"We accept that savings have to be made – but it is wrong that rural communities should be unfairly impacted."
Torquay Magistrates' Court closed last year after 60 years of operation.
Many towns across Devon previously had magistrates' courts including in Totnes, Tiverton, Cullompton, Honiton, Exmouth and Axminster.
But now the county's only magistrates' courts are found in Exeter, Plymouth, Newton Abbot and Barnstaple.
Many towns across Devon previously had magistrates' courts including in Totnes, Tiverton, Cullompton, Honiton, Exmouth and Axminster.
But now the county's only magistrates' courts are found in Exeter, Plymouth, Newton Abbot and Barnstaple.
"Because of these closures, many rural court users face longer journey times which threatens to undermine their ability to access the justice system," added Ms Motley.
"Public transport links are already very poor or non-existent in many rural areas and it is important to remember that not everyone owns a car.
"It is wrong that rural communities should bear the brunt of court closures – the impact of which will be felt particularly by less well-off members of society."
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