His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has reaffirmed its position that there are currently no plans to close Berwick-upon-Tweed Magistrates' Court, despite the current lack of workload at the venue.
Given the isolated nature of the court, there have been concerns that HMCTS might use the miasma of covid-19 to quietly wind the court down and close the doors for the final time - a situation, so it would seem, that has clear parallels with that at Skipton Magistrates' Court.
The next nearest court, Mid and South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court in Bedlington, is located 50 miles to the south of Berwick and is very difficult to get to via public transport. Berwick has already survived two previous closure attempts owing to its unique geography and local circumstances.
Earlier this year Magistrates' Blog reported plans to reopen Berwick-upon-Tweed Magistrates' Court following a 2-year extended closure due to extensive building work at the adjoining police station. HMCTS told us hearings would resume at Berwick from 30th March 2022.
The clock has ticked forward a further six months and local colleagues inform us that they have still not set foot in Berwick Magistrates' Court since early 2020. That being the case, we contacted HMCTS for further clarification on its reopening timetable.
In a letter dated 10th November 2022, an HMCTS spokesperson said: "I can confirm that Berwick-upon-Tweed Magistrates Court is currently being used for civil and family lists every 4 weeks on a Wednesday and for additional days as and when required.
"Hearings have taken place on 13 April, 11 & 25 May, 22 June, 20 July, 17 August, 14 September & 12 & 20 October 2022. Which includes tribunal use in October.
"In respect of criminal proceedings, there are ongoing discussions taking place with stakeholders relating to the return to sitting at the site.
"There are currently no plans to close Berwick-upon-Tweed Magistrates' Court. We will continue to keep our operational estate under review and any future proposals to close the court would be subject to public consultation."
We will keep this matter under close review and bring further updates in due course.
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