THE future of Chippenham’s Magistrates Court was raised with the courts minister in the House of Commons by Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan on Tuesday.
The Conservative MP said that the Chippenham court, which is under threat of closure, was ideally placed to cover for the Swindon Magistrates Court which needs updating and renovating.
Miss Donelan said: “The minister will be aware the future of the Chippenham courthouse is currently with the HMCTS consultation and that Swindon courthouse is in desperate need of renovation.
“Whilst this happens Chippenham is delightfully placed to provide the ideal location. Can I therefore urge him to consider this key fact when the future of Chippenham courthouse is determined?”
Parliamentary under-secretary of state for justice, Shailesh Vara MP, said no decisions had yet been made on the future of Chippenham’s Magistrates Court but that he would consider Miss Donelan’s suggestion “very carefully”.
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