The proposed closure of Chippenham Magistrates’ Court, Civil Court and Family Court will deepen inequalities in the justice system according to The Law Society.

In their response to the Ministry of Justice consultation on proposals to close courts and tribunals across England and Wales, The Law Society has recommended that Chippenham courthouse stay open.

The Ministry of Justice are proposing to close 91 courts and tribunals, one fifth of courts and tribunals across England and Wales, and integrate or merge 31 more.

Their response reflects solicitors’ views on the likely adverse impact of the proposed closures on local communities, the justice system and the legal profession.

Law Society president Jonathan Smithers said: "The proposed closure of Chippenham Magistrates’ Court, Civil Court and Family Court will make it more difficult for a significant number people to get to court, and the closures will more adversely affect people with disabilities and lower income families.

"Combined with the further planned increases in court fees and reductions in eligibility for legal aid, this closure will serve to deepen the inequalities in the justice system between those who can and cannot afford to pay.

"No matter who you are, no matter where you live, everyone in England and Wales must be able to access legal advice and the justice system."

The Law Society disagrees with the proposal to close Chippenham Magistrates’ Court, Civil Court and Family Court.

Following the closure of Trowbridge County Court in 2010, cases were transferred to Chippenham but the Ministry of Justice now states that Chippenham is not busy enough, even though it is nearly as busy as average for courts in England and Wales.

If Chippenham were to close, cases would be transferred to Swindon and 66% of users would have to travel for over one hour by public transport to reach court.

The Law Society argue that this would represent a considerable blow to access to justice in Wiltshire.

Chippenham courthouse, which opened in 1997, remains in good condition throughout, with no security, health and safety or Equality Act issues.

It also provides accommodation for other local agencies, such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Witness Service and National Probation Service and those agencies would need to find alternative accommodation if Chippenham closes.