Vale Council welcomes magistrates' courts decision -
11/01/07
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has welcomed the news that the
magistrates' court in Barry is to remain open.
The possible closure of the complex at Thompson Street, Barry,
came to light earlier this year when Her Majesty's Court Service
launched a review of South Wales courts.
The announcement that the review had ended and that there were
no plans to close the Barry court was welcomed by Council Leader
Cllr Margaret Alexander.
She said all parties on the authority had supported the campaign
to keep the court open, adding: "I am delighted that all the
campaigning by this Council, the many employees and users of the
court and local MP John Smith and AM Jane Hutt has paid off.
"Our grave concerns about any possible closure were relayed to
both central Government and the Welsh Assembly Government, and I am
glad that the opposition from across the local community has
produced a really positive outcome.
"The busy magistrates' court at Barry serves a Vale population
of around 120,000, in the largest town in Wales, and is one of the
most efficient and effective. It is very important that courts are
accessible to local populations and people friendly.
"The closure of the courts would have had a major impact on many
parts of our community, especially the disadvantaged, and I am sure
this decision will be widely welcomed."