Radical plans to replace the borough's two ageing courthouses with a £10million 'supercourt' received a unanimous welcome this week.
Politicians, police and magistrates praised proposals which will eventually see a 15-court building covering Barnet, Enfield and Haringey. Separate benches will merge into one containing some 300 north London magistrates under the proposals announced on Thursday last week. Some jobs may go among support staff.
Other proposals discarded by the Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority (GLMCA) could have seen cases sent as far away as Brent. The borough's two existing courts in Barnet and Hendon both more than 90-years-old will ultimately be sold off for redevelopment with profits ploughed back into the system.
Magistrate Penny Gluckstein, chairman of Barnet bench, led a vigorous campaign to save local justice. A delighted Mrs Gluckstein said: "We managed to persuade them the journey to Brent was unacceptable.
"Hendon will now stay for the foreseeable future, but Barnet depends on how long it takes to find a site for the new court.
"If we can do it by 2003 Barnet will probably stay open until then. If not, family work will move to Well Street in central London and other cases to Highgate."
Malcolm Cohen, chairman of the GLMCA, admitted jobs would go in the court reshuffle, which affects the entire capital.
"We're hopeful that most of that can be achieved progressively through natural wastage," he said.
He described existing court facilities as 'Dickensian' and said the shake-up would take justice into the 21st Century.
Police and politicians also welcomed proposals.
Chief Superintendent Sue Akers, borough police chief, said: "It looks as if the new proposal goes some way to address my concerns around the loss of local justice. I'm glad our views have been listened to."
Councillor Brian Coleman, Greater London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden, said: "Barnet and Hendon courthouses have got to go and I'm delighted that all of us who campaigned have been successful for getting a replacement for magistrates and residents."
December 18, 2001 15:08
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article