Woolwich County Court, Dartford Magistrates Court, and Greenwich Magistrates Court have been earmarked for closure as part of a national reformation of the court system.
The courts are three of 91 courts and tribunals to be considered for closure as part of a 12 week consultation period which begins today (July 16).
Greenwich Magistrates' Court
The decision was announced by Courts Minister Shailesh Vara in an official ministerial statement released this morning.
The statement says: "We can only provide better access to justice if we take difficult decisions to reduce the cost of our estate and reinvest the savings.
"As the Secretary of State told Parliament on 23 June, this means "a significant number of additional courts will have to close."
If the proposals were to come into place all cases which would currently be heard at Dartford would be transferred to Chatham.
Dartford Magistrates' Court
Dartford MP Gareth Johnson has described the announcement as deeply concerning.
He said: "Having previously worked at the court, I know that if Dartford's Magistrates Court closes it will cause significant difficulties for witnesses, Police Officers and other Court users.
"Whilst there has been an increase in using modern technology to bring evidence to courtrooms, this will never completely replace witnesses physically attending court and moving all local cases to Chatham could put off some witnesses from giving evidence.
"There is also concern that if Dartford Magistrates court were to close then there would be delays in bringing cases to court."
Gareth Johnson
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Mr Johnson has called for the Mr Vara to rethink his decision, claiming it will cause distruption to the lives of Dartford magistrates, working at the court in Lisle Street, who hold the position voluntarily.
He added: "The delivery of local, summary justice is a fundamental part of our legal system. "This news will be met with deep dismay by Magistrates who voluntarily serve the local community in their role but will now be forced to take a fairly long journey to do so.
"I have spoken to the Minister about this announcement and requested an urgent meeting with him and I hope that there will be a rethink."
Bow County Court, Feltham Magistrates’ Court,Hammersmith County Court, Lambeth County Court, Pocock Street Tribunal Hearing Centre, Richmond-upon-Thames Magistrates’ Court, Tottenham Magistrates’ Court and Waltham Forest Magistrates’ Court will also be considered for closure.
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