A CAMPAIGN to save two local magistrates courts earmarked for closure is hoping to whip up popular opposition to the plan.

Leader of Wiltshire County Council, Peter Chalke, is urging people to fight the decision made by the Magistrates Court Committee to close the courts in Trowbridge and Devizes.

The Conservative leader is backing campaigns led by local councillors opposing the decision.

Cllr Chalke said: "If we shut the courts in Devizes and Trowbridge, people living in rural areas are going to be stuck and it's a real fear that some may not turn up."

According to the proposals Trowbridge court is set to close on March 31, with proceedings transferring to Chippenham. Devizes is due to follow suit as soon as a new courthouse is built in Salisbury.

The leader said: "I am urging everyone to object to this decision and contact the Magistrates Courts Committee."

John Bush, chairman of the Magistrates Committee said: "It is regrettable that we have to close Trowbridge Court.

"It is a beautiful building and it has been a court house for a long time but we can't afford to keep it running.

"We are expecting all employees to move to Chippenham."

The decision comes after a league table was published showing Wiltshire had the most inefficient courtrooms in the country.

To complain about the decision to close the courtrooms in Devizes and Trowbridge write to Graham Paul Wilcock, Justices Chief Executive, Wiltshire Magistrates Service, PO Box 13, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2XQ.