Map shows travel impact of proposed court closures
An interactive online map showing how plans to close 11 courts in Wales could impact people who rely on public transport has been released by the Law Society.
The UK government is consulting on plans to close 91 courts and tribunals in England and Wales. It said if the plans go ahead, 95% of people could drive to court in an hour. But the Law Society's map suggests it would take longer for people who rely on public transport. It shows no users of Dolgellau crown and magistrates courts or Holyhead Magistrates' Court could reach their new court within one hour by public transport. The government consultation on the closures is due to end on the 8 October 2015. How would the closures affect public transport users according to the map? Holyhead Magistrates' Court Work would be transferred to Caernarfon Criminal Justice Centre. No users would be able to reach it within an hour. Llangefni Civil and Family Court Work would be transferred to Caernarfon Criminal Justice Centre, with 30% able to get there within one hour. Prestatyn Magistrates' Court Users would have to go to Llandudno Magistrates' Court. The society claims 33% of users could reach it within one hour. Wrexham Tribunal and Hearing Centre (Rhyd Broughton) Services would be moved to Wrexham Law Courts and to Mold Law Courts, with 21% able to get there within 60 minutes. Carmarthen Law Courts (The Guildhall) Work would move to Swansea Crown Court. The society said 31% of crown, 6% of magistrates' and 32% of family court users could reach it within one hour. Carmarthen Civil, Family, Tribunal and Probate Hearing Centre Users would move to Llanelli Civil and Family Court and Haverfordwest Law Courts and Aberystwyth Justice Centre, with 7% able to reach their new court within 60 minutes. Dolgellau Crown and Magistrates' Court Work would be sent to Caernarfon Criminal Justice Centre. No users could get there within one hour. Brecon Law Courts Cases would be sent to Llandrindod Wells Law Court, Merthyr Tydfil Combined Court and, for residents in the Ystradgynlais area, Swansea Magistrates' Court. Civil, family and tribunal hearings would move to Merthyr Tydfil Combined Court. The society said 34% of magistrates', 33% of civil and 24% of family court users could reach their new court within one hour. Pontypridd Magistrates' Court Work would move to Merthyr Tydfil Combined Court, with 56% of magistrates' and 80% of family court users able to reach their new court within 60 minutes. Bridgend Law Courts Civil, family and tribunal work be transferred to Port Talbot Justice Centre, criminal work would move to Cardiff Magistrates' Court. The society claims 65% of magistrates', 67% of civil and 64% of family users could reach their new court within an hour. Neath and Port Talbot Civil and Family Court Work would be transferred to Port Talbot Justice Centre, where 73% are said to be able to get there within one hour.