I SEE that once again the government have chosen St Helens to be targeted in their cutbacks. This time the target is St Helens Courts. The reason? They are looking to save money by closing those courts which are running at a low capacity and are uneconomical.

St Helens Court is neither. This court provides a valued service to our town. Don't just think of the courthouse as being a place where people go to be prosecuted for committing a crime. It is also there for the victims of crime, their family and friends, witnesses.

If we lose this court then this will mean a trip to Liverpool or Bootle. Getting divorced? Need to use the small claims court? Then you too will have to travel to Liverpool or Bootle – more cost to you the user of the court.

I pass this building every day and have noticed that the steps outside the County Court entrance have been cordoned off and left in a bad state for months. I now think I know the reason why. It all helps to make the building appear unfit for purpose.

Losing this court could also have an effect on the economy of our town as solicitors have to relocate. If we lose this court what will be next – The Probation Service? The town centre police station?

So people of St Helens support any future petitions to stop this closure. Support our MPs and council in keeping this valuable service to our community open and where it belongs.

Name and address submitted