A petition signed by more than 3,000 people to save West Cumbria Magistrates Court has been sent to the Government. 

Workington MP Sue Hayman, who spearheaded the campaign with the Times & Star, sent the petition to the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday. 

West Cumbria magistrates and county court is among 91 across England and Wales earmarked for closure by the Government because they are said to be under-used.

A consultation was launched in July. 

If the closure goes ahead, it means that people including witnesses and victims would have to travel either to Carlisle or Barrow for court appearances.

Mrs Hayman, who has also sent a joint response with Copeland MP Jamie Reed, said: "One of the things that has been most striking is how strongly local people feel about it.

"People are sick and tired of seeing services going away from West Cumbria.

"What is the point in doing a consultation if you are not going to listen to people?

"With such a huge response against the closure, if the Government doesn't listen I do think we need to look at whether or not there is a case for a judicial review.

"As far as I am concerned we do not meet the criteria for closure.

"We have decided to do it as a joint response with all of the responses from West Cumbria because it is more powerful and shows West Cumbria working together."

Workington Town Council's response to the consultation says the proposal is "poorly thought through". 

Councillor Joan Wright said: "This won't save money, it will cost the people of Workington and across West Cumbria dearly."

Stewart Young, leader of Cumbria County Council, said the authority did not support plans for closure. 

He said: "The council is of the view that the proposals are not acceptable and we do not support the changes set out in the consultation.

"It is the council's view that the closure of courts would have a range of negative impacts for people in Cumbria which are of an unacceptable level."

The consultation deadline was yesterday.