BATTLE lines have been drawn as Richmond prepares to resist the proposed closure of its magistrates' court.

The North Yorkshire Magistrates' Court Committee is under pressure from Westminster to trim three per cent from its budget in the next financial year.

Seats of justice at Whitby and Pickering are also under threat, along with the court office in Skipton.

However, with Leyburn already closed three years ago, Richmondshire District Council points out that axing Richmond as well would leave the district without a court.

Members of the council have pledged to turn up in force at a public meeting called to debate the issue on Monday, and are urging the public to do the same.

Former mayor Councillor John Harris said at a meeting of the council's resources committee: "What really worries me is that people, faced with a longer journey to Northallerton, may simply plead guilty to an offence just to avoid the trip which, to me, seems fundamentally wrong."

Councillor Michael Heseltine also warned that if Richmond accepted the closure, on December 31 next year, then other services could be put under threat.

He said: "Experience tells us that when one facility or local service goes, then more tend to be vulnerable and - before you know where you are - there is nothing left."

The committee also swung unanimously behind Councillor John Blackie's suggestion that a representative of the magistrates' court committee be invited to a council meeting on December 11, along with representatives from the police and Crown Prosecution Service, which are both reported to be supporting the court closures.

Coun Blackie said: "The consultation documents point out the court in Skipton should survive as it serves the rural area of Upper Craven. Surely the same argument could apply to Richmondshire."

The meeting to discuss the proposed closure of Richmond Magistrates' Court will be held at the town's courthouse, in I'Anson Road, at 4pm on Monday.

Council chairwoman Jane Metcalfe criticised the timing of the meeting, saying it could prevent people from turning up in force.

She said: "I know it has particularly aggravated a lot of people in the town as they will not be able to attend at 4pm because they will be at work."

Other councillors claimed publicity of the meeting had been poor, and that the limited space inside the courthouse could prevent people taking part in the debate.

Written comments on the proposals need to be submitted to the magistrates' court committee by January 11