WILTSHIRE MP Andrew Murrison has criticised plans to shut Trowbridge Magistrates Court.

Last Friday Dr Murrison met Paul Wilcock, justices chief executive and John Bush chairman of the magistrates courts service in Salisbury to discuss the plans for the court house.

Dr Murrison said: "Wiltshire is a rural county with problems of access. Those involved in court proceedings often have difficulty with transport and this move will make the chances of their cases being dealt with fairly more remote."

The MP is also concerned West Wiltshire magistrates will be reluctant to sit on the Chippenham bench.

Dr Murrison is hopeful the plans for the closure can be overturned if there is enough local pressure, and councillors have asked residents to write to the Magistrates Court Committee urging them to reconsider.