FEARS have been raised of further steps to “remove local justice” from the town after it emerged the coroner’s court in St Helens could merge with Liverpool due to cost cutting plans.

The move comes after St Helens, Knowsley and Sefton area coroner Christopher Sumner announced he will be retiring at the end of this year.

A merger could see residents heading to Liverpool for rulings regarding loved ones who died in St Helens.

The potential closure follows on from the axing of St Helens Magistrates’ Court two years ago. Criminal cases are now being heard at Liverpool’s Crown Court building instead.

As recently reported, the custody suite at St Helens Police Station has also closed, resulting in police taking arrested people to cells in Liverpool for holding.

Conor McGinn, St Helens North MP, voiced concerns. He said: “It’s alarming that following the closure of the magistrates court and then that of the police custody suite that there is this speculation regarding the merger of the St Helens and Liverpool coroner’s courts.

"It will surely cause concern about the future to take the justice for the people of St Helens out of the town. I have asked the Ministry of Justice to review any decision into the threat of closure for St Helens coroner’s court.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “We want to make sure grieving families receive the highest level of service when they are most in need, which is why we are determined that coroner investigations, including inquests, are conducted consistently across the country.

“If an opportunity arises to merge coroner areas, we will consider the options carefully. Any merger should put bereaved people first and allow a local authority to run a more efficient service.

“Where a merger is proposed, we will consult on it and carefully consider the responses.”

A St Helens Council spokesman added: “The council can confirm that it has had no official contact of notification of any changes to the coroners service. We are aware of the impending retirement of Mr Sumner, but this hasn’t been made official. However it is for the MOJ to decide on how the coroner’s service is delivered.

“No decisions will be made without consultation with the three local authorities (St Helens, Sefton and Knowsley).” affected by Mr Sumner’s retirement.

“Consultation will take place to decide on the way forward, the current footprint, and any proposed changes with open dialogue with all parties concerned.”