All Bar None?

23 June 2010, 14:13 | Updated: 23 June 2010, 14:38

The Ministry of Justice has announced a wide ranging review of the courts and local justice system which could mean the majority of Northamptonshire's local courts would close.

Ministers say they want to modernise and improve the use of courts in England, some of which are "underused" and "inadequate for modern communities."

It puts the future of the magistrates courts in Kettering, Daventry and Towcester under threat, along with the County Court in Wellingborough.  That would leave just two magistrates courts across the whole of Northamptonshire: Northampton and Wellingborough.

The Ministry of Justice was unable to tell Heart how many people would be affected at this stage.

Their statement says:  "Some of the courts across the country do not fit the needs of modern communities.  Their number and location does not reflect recent changes in population, workload or transport and communication links over the many years since they were originally opened. Views are now invited on how we can improve the services courts provide."

People have until September the 15th of this year to comment on the plans.

You can read more details here