Solicitor says Hexham Magistrates' Court closure would be 'huge mistake'

Mr Travis said that similar court closures nationally had led to defendants failing to show up at hearings because of longer distances to travel.

"When the court closed at Consett in County Durham and cases went to Chester-le-Street, there was a big increase in no-shows. Some people just decided it was too far and too expensive to get there so waited to be taken to court on warrant.

"A lot of people who appear before magistrates are on Government benefits and the added cost of travelling further to court would be a real issue."

John Thornhill, chairman of the Magistrates Association (MA), which represents court workers across the North East, is calling for talks with the Government.

"The MA believes that the magistracy still has a very significant contribution to make as supported by the Minister, Jonathan Djanogly, who said in his statement that the magistracy's voluntary contribution as the bedrock of our justice system will continue to be supported by the Government," he said.

"The Association has already proposed innovative and cost-effective procedures for delivering community justice. We want to maintain a cohesive justice system in which crucial decisions on dealing with those who offend against fellow citizens are dealt with in a consistent manner by the dedicated 29,000 magistrates properly trained for this vital role."