CHICHESTER MP Andrew Tyrie has blasted the confirmed closure of the city’s courts as a “shambles” and “little short of a scandal”.

Last Friday week, the Government announced Chichester Combined Court (Crown, County and Family) and Chichester Magistrates’ Court would shut along with 84 others around the country.

The news follows a consultation which ended last October on proposals which were blasted by the Law Society pointing out journey times would take longer for those who rely on public transport

The confirmed closure means West Sussex will be left without a crown court.

While the magistrates’ court will close permanently, Chichester’s Combined Court – Crown and County – has been named among the courts where work will either move to an alternative courts and tribunals service or “suitable alternative local provision will be established before it closes”, said the Ministry of Justice.

Mr Tyrie pointed to confusion over the announcement on Chichester’s Crown Court, named on the list of closures but where work would either move to another site or “establish alternative local provision” beforehand.

Mr Tyrie said: “This is a shambles.”

“In the Ministry of Justice document, we are told Chichester Crown Court is to be retained.

“But elsewhere in the statement we are told it will be closed.

“Unfortunately, the latter will turn out to be right.”

He said: “In response to the proposals, I asked for a compelling economic case for the closure – supported by evidence.

“None has been provided.

“It is scarcely surprising there is no economic analysis accompanying the decision to close the court.

“It clearly has never been done. Frankly, that is little short of a scandal.

“A lot of people are going to be badly affected by the closure of these courts.

“My constituents will be forced to travel further at additional personal expense.

“The proposal was supported by poor and sparse data. This is not a reasonable way of making public policy decisions.

“The Government should put this decision on hold, take the time to do a thorough economic analysis and then consult on it. Nothing less will be acceptable.”

Shailesh Vara, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Courts and Legal Aid, said: “The decision to close a court or tribunal must never be taken lightly.

“For each location, I have considered whether the closure would still allow for effective access to justice, whether it offers significant saving, and whether it would allow HM Courts & Tribunals Service to maintain high quality service provision. Where these conditions are met, we have taken the decision to close the court or tribunal.”

The nearest Magistrates’ Courts are in Crawley, Horsham or Worthing.

Chichester’s Crown Court workload will be moved to Portsmouth and Lewes while cases in the county court will switch Worthing.

Alternative venues for crown court hearings or for a video link being considered include The Old Courtroom at the Assembly Rooms, in North Street; County Hall; and a video link with police stations.