SENIOR magistrates have been left in no doubt that people around Richmond will resist any move to close the town's court.

Twenty people attended a public meeting to discuss the North Yorkshire Magistrates Courts Committee's streamlining proposals on Monday afternoon.

But a representative from the Crown Prosecution Service was the sole voice to speak in favour of axing Richmond's seat of justice and using Northallerton's.

Every other person present condemned the plans - among them, district, town and county councillors, a solicitor, the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Tom Burrows, the town's Civic Society and representatives from outlying villages.

The size of the Richmondshire district and its poor public transport network was an argument used to justify the survival of Richmond's court.

David Ward, of Scotts Wright solicitors, in Catterick Garrison, illustrated the point by claiming it would be quicker to reach New York by car and plane than to travel to Northallerton by bus from the villages in Swaledale or Wensleydale.

He said: "It is hard enough to persuade witnesses to testify as it is. If they then faced a journey to the magistrates court in Northallerton, you would have to ask if they are likely to be favourable."

District councillor, John Harris, also claimed those charged with minor offences may simply admit them rather than facing a long journey to court.

He said: "The nature of magistracy is also important, it is much easier to have confidence in the legal system if people know those who sit on the Bench.

"That would not be the case if Richmond closes and cases are dealt with in Northallerton."

Comments on the proposed closure of Richmond's Magistrates' Court - as well as those at Whitby and Pickering - must be submitted before January 11.

If the Government approves closure, Richmond would deal with its last cases next December