Worksop: Centuries of local justice in Worksop ends as Gov announces all criminal cases will be withdrawn from town’s Magistrates’ Court

The response, which was published on Wednesday 16th July, states that the court has been deemed unsuitable for work that carries a risk of imprisonment or trial.

Therefore, all criminal work will be withdrawn from the Worksop site and dealt with at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court.

The response also states that civil and family matters, along with non-imprisonable offences, instituted by non-police prosecutors, such as TV license offences, will continue to be dealt with at Worksop Magistrates’ Court.

MP for Bassetlaw John Mann, who campaigned for the court to kept open and led a debate in Parliament against its closure, spoke of his disappointment at the decision.

He said: “This is a terrible decision by the Government. They have completely failed to address the serious issues raised by local people during the consultation.”

“Moving these cases to Mansfield will disproportionately affect those who are elderly, disabled, or do not have access to their own transport.”

“The Government’s plans fail to take into account the geographical realities of Bassetlaw - many parts of the area are very rural with limited transport links.”

“It is clear that this is the first step in a campaign to close the court entirely.”

“The Government has a legal duty to protect its citizens and allow them fair access to justice. Closing the courthouse will breach this duty.”

“They have completely ignored my alternative proposals, and by doing so they will end 800 years of local criminal justice in Bassetlaw.”

The exact date of the change has not yet been confirmed.