Local justice is at risk if plans to close West Cumbria's only court go ahead.

The Workington 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.

It has launched a consultation which has been met with widespread condemnation from magistrates, police chiefs, victims' groups and solicitors.

They say the move would:

  • Decimate the idea of "local justice"
  • Mean less police officers on the street
  • See victims having to share public transport with their accused
  • Result in delays and inefficiencies

If the closure goes ahead, it means people would have to travel to Carlisle or Barrow for court appearances.

Celia Tibble, chairman of Cumbria's police and crime panel, said she feared if the court closed, it could mean fewer police on the streets.

She said: "The implications are on staffing and manpower. If police officers are travelling to and from Carlisle to go to court, that means that they are not on West Cumbria's streets."

Magistrates are set to mount a campaign against the closure, and Richard Rhodes, crime commissioner, has arranged to meet with West Cumbria's MPs and the Safer Cumbria board.

Craig Smith, solicitor at HFT Gough & Co, which has an office in Workington, said: "It's going to be a disastrous move as far as justice is concerned.

""With the population we have in Workington and Whitehaven, we deserve a court.

"Justice should be seen by the community, especially in a criminal context.

"We already see many people failing to appear as it is because people say they couldn't afford the journey.

"If you take the courts further afield, you're going to see that effect."

Gail Inglis, of Cockermouth, chairwoman of the North and West Cumbria bench, said: “We intend to mount a campaign.

“We don’t feel that it is possible to have such a large rural area represented by only one court in Carlisle because of the geography and infrastructure that we have.

“It would certainly not be local justice as we know it."

Whitehaven Magistrates Court closed three years ago and all cases are now heard at the Workington court building.

The 2014/15 operating costs of Workington's court were approximately £239,000 and it was estimated that in the same period it was used at approximately 42 per cent of its capacity.

The consultation lasts until October 8. For more information, visit www.gov.uk