Andrew speaking in Westminster Hall to save Burton County Court

Andrew is campaigning to save Burton’s County Court - the only County Court in the constituency - from closure.

He secured a special debate in Westminster Hall in Parliament to argue against the closure of the court, which deals with civil matter likes debt repayments, divorce and adoption, housing disputes and personal injuries. This gave him a chance to put the case for keeping the court open directly to the Minister responsible. He has also put in his own submission to the consultation on the court closures, explaining why it is important for Burton County Court to be saved.

We know that the country is broke and that savings have to be made. It is understandable that the courts service should bear its share of the savings, but it is also clear that belt-tightening must be done in a manner that protects the interests of justice and, above all, access to justice.

Making people in East Staffordshire travel to Derby or Stafford County Court would mean vastly increased travel times. That could result in people not bothering to attend and more wasted money from cancelled hearings.

UPDATE - 15th December 2010

The Government has agreed to keep Burton County Court open for the time being. Tamworth County Court will close immediately and its workload will be transferred to Burton.

Burton's position will be reviewed again in 2014-15 to see if this change has increased the court's workload enough for it to remain viable.