<span>NEWBURY Magistrates Court could be facing the chop, following a review of the "underused" courts in the country.</span> <span>NEWBURY Magistrates Court could be facing the chop, following a review of the "underused" courts in the country.</span> <span>The court, on Mill Lane, is just one of 91 courts and tribunals across England and Wales, which are being recommended for closure.</span> <span>Newbury MP, Richard Benyon, called the decision a "blow for local justice."</span> <span>He said:</span> “I believe that the court service has run down the use of Newbury Court to claim that the level of usage warrants its closure. Decades ago, justice was delivered in Lambourn, Hungerford and Newbury, now victims face travelling to Reading to give evidence.

"Having fought a successful campaign to prevent the closure of the court in 2010, he added: “I have already held discussions with the Chief Executive of West Berkshire Council to see if their video link could be used by the court service and I will be making representations to the consultation to keep the court open”.

David Cameron's mother, Mary, worked as a magistrate for 30 years at the Newbury court.

Courts and Tribunals Minister, Shailesh Vara, said: “We are reforming the courts and tribunal service so that it meets the needs of modern day users.

<span><span>“Access to justice is not just about attending court. As we bring in digital technology for better and more efficient access to justice, fewer people will need to physically be in a court.</span></span> <span><span>“This means that we will need fewer buildings, and with many already underused and in poor quality, now is a good time to review the estate.”</span></span> <span><span>Natalie Ceeney, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service Chief Executive, said: </span></span>“Our estate is a significant asset. We currently have a number of surplus buildings and this consultation puts forward proposals on their future.

<span><span>“As we modernise our service so that fewer people will need to attend a court in person, spending money on unsuitable or rarely used buildings is not good value for money for taxpayers.</span></span> <span><span>“I encourage anyone with an interest to respond to the proposals."</span></span> <span>Nick Carter, Chief Executive at West Berkshire Council said: <span>“This is very disappointing news. The council have been very involved in the campaign to keep the court open. We will continue to work with partners within the Safer Communities Partnership to see how the loss of the court could be mitigated locally should the closure go ahead.”</span></span> <span><span>A 12 week consultation will take place from today and runs until October 8.</span></span>