10 courts in Wales under threat of closure

Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

An online map showing the possible impact of plans to close 10 courts in Wales has been released by the Law Society.

Proposed closures include the magistrates' courts in Prestatyn, Pontypridd, Holyhead and Dolgellau. Wrexham Tribunal and Hearing Centre (Rhyd Broughton) has also been placed under threat.

Courts Minister Shailesh Vara maintains that 95% of people will still be able to reach their required court within an hour by car. But the Law Society's research indicates that many people attending court will be arriving by public transport.

According to the society, proposed plans to transfer Holyhead Magistrates' Court to Caernarfon Criminal Justice Centre would mean that "no court users could reach their new court within one hour by public transport."

The full list of courts and tribunals at risk are:

  • Brecon Law Courts

  • Bridgend Law Courts

  • Carmarthen Civil, Family, Tribunal and Probate Hearing Centre

  • Carmarthen Law Courts (The Guildhall)

  • Dolgellau Crown and Magistrates' Court

  • Holyhead Magistrates' Court

  • Llangefni Civil and Family Court

  • Neath and Port Talbot Civil and Family Court

  • Pontypridd Magistrates' Court

  • Prestatyn Magistrates' Court

  • Wrexham Tribunal and Hearing Centre (Rhyd Broughton)

The possible closures are currently the subject of a Government consultation and form part of wider considerations to close a total of 91 court and tribunal buildings throughout the UK. The Government estimates that these courts currently cost the taxpayer around £500 million a year.

The consultation period to decide on the closures will end on the 8th October 2015.

To see how your local court or tribunal could be affected, visit the Law Society's online interactive map.