Kingston court closure: The community role (From Surrey Comet)

Kingston court closure: The community role

12:08pm Friday 1st July 2011 in Save Kingston Magistrates

COMMUNITY ROLE Our magistrates have become part of the fabric of Kingston’s community, whether it be through support for those in need, their role at official ceremonies or raising money for charity.

They have used their poor box charity, which will now be wound up, to given grants to up to £250 to people in desperate circumstances who appear before them.

One pensioner, whose savings were stolen, was given money to pay her bills, while others received help to buy suits for job interviews, get training, or simply buy a ticket home from court.

Trustee David Thompson said last year they helped three children go on a school trip they could not otherwise afford.

He said: “The letters of appreciation were wonderful – it really did make a difference to the children. They felt they had been included with their friends going away on the trip.”

Mock trials, school visits and open days have helped educate people young and old about the justice system.

They witness citizenship ceremonies, sign the borough record when new mayors take office, and attend Remembrance Ceremonies across the borough.

And through rowing, walks and other events, in four years they have raised over £31,000 for Kingston Mencap Xpressions youth club.

WHAT WE DISCOVERED Kingston Magistrates’ Court was closed despite a Surrey Comet investigation showing it was one of the most efficient and cheapest in London.

The court took an average of four weeks to complete cases, the third quickest in the capital, and it secured quicker justice for crime victims than the three courts that will take on its workload.

We also uncovered data showing the Government inflated the court’s annual running costs by £52,000 in its court closure consultation document.

The court’s true operating costs, £267,000 a year, were the sixth lowest in London.

Our campaign also raised concerns people on low incomes would be hit hardest, with their budgets reduced by costly peak-time train tickets to Battersea and Wimbledon.

Lawyers also raised concerns Kingston’s reputation as a legal hub, with crown, county and magistrates’ courts within five minutes of the police, solicitors, probation officers and university legal department, would be damaged.