I READ with dismay that St Helens Magistrates' Court is possibly set for closure. I think this would be a travesty of justice.

If our court closes then anyone subject to domestic abuse will need to travel to Liverpool which discriminates on those with limited incomes and young families, not to mention physical disability or emotional trauma. It will also mean more costs for the already-stretched local police force who'll have to travel to give evidence taking time and resources away.

Social workers and other professionals will need to travel when care proceedings are considered. Imagine the extra cost in hours to these services and the thought that in rush hour traffic there's no guarantee people will reach court in time.

About 14 years ago Wigan Council hatched a plan to centralise mental health services. After it was highlighted that many patients have limited access to employment and limited transport means making it unlikely appointments would be kept, they did an about turn.

To all those focusing on cutting costs, whilst St Helens does not have the population of Wigan it is still sizeable and well-established. Go ahead and have a public inquiry and you'll discover the hidden costs to the people of St Helens and those that serve them.

What happened to a needs-led service as opposed to a service-led service? Think again.

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