A SOLICITOR has voiced fears that closing St Helens courts will result in more evictions and an increase in homelessness.

St Helens County Court, which along with the magistrates could be axed as part of government cost cutting, deals with family and housing cases, is holding sessions every weekday morning and afternoon.

A core group of around 10 court users, called together by one of the court's two designated judges, is compiling a detailed response to the consultation, announced by Justice Secretary Michael Gove.

Among the group, Joanne Ellis, manager of housing team at Stephensons solicitors, says axing the court would lead to more evictions and people made homeless in St Helens.

She said: "I feel very angry about this. I've been in legal aid for around 12 years and there have already been lots of cuts.

"It's a busy court. On some days there will be as many as 50 people facing eviction on the court list."

She explained: "Many have benefits issues such as being hit by the bedroom tax; they have often had relationship breakdowns, job issues or are in transition from one type of benefit to another.

"These people are struggling to put food on the table. We fight to keep them in properties – they can stay if they can pay £3.70 per week.

"We have to sit down and work out if they can afford £3.70 a week to keep a roof over their heads. For these people, finding £5 to travel to court is prohibitive.

"So my view is these people won't go to court - some find it difficult enough as it is. Many have some form of physical disability or mental health condition.

"Lots of these are people who don't cope as well as others, for whatever reason.

"I'm concerned that access to justice is being taken away because court won't hear their side of the story.

"I can only presume there will be more possession orders, more evictions and ultimately more homeless people."

Joanne, who lives in Billinge, said clients often contact them at the last minute, and, being local, they can get the paperwork sorted and the matter into court the next day.

She said: "If they have to go to Liverpool, there won't be time to avoid eviction."

She added: "Legal firms in St Helens are united in wanting to keep the court open. All the local solicitors work well together, it's a community. Closing the court would have a huge impact on local business as there is a cluster of solicitors' offices near court who use the town centre shops."

Two weeks ago, it was announced that the Corporation Street court is among 91 courts and tribunals across England and Wales earmarked for closure, with the aim of reducing what Justice Secretary Michael Gove describes as "surplus capacity".

A consultation on the proposal will run until October 8.