Lincoln Magistrates’ Court and County Court could absorb all workload and resources from the Grantham magistrates’ due to Ministry of Justice plans to close underused facilities.
A consultation published by Courts Minister, Shailesh Vara this week signalled the possible closure of two of Lincolnshire’s four magistrates’ courts, Grantham and Skegness.
Some 14 courts in the midlands have been recommended for closure, as they are marked as ‘underused and poor quality’.
Across the country, 91 ‘surplus’ courts face closure.
The consultation announcement comes as the courts and tribunal service undergoes a ‘modernisation’ to create a simpler and more efficient justice system.
The consultation paper, which proposes plans for each recommended closure, states that should Grantham Magistrates’ Court close, Lincoln courts would be able to meet workflow demands more effectively.
The Lincoln facilities are 30 miles away from Grantham Magistrates’ Court, which the report states is only used for 24% of its capacity.
A statement in the report reads: “Lincoln Magistrates’ Court and Lincoln County Court both have excellent facilities for HM Courts & Tribunals Service users and have the capacity to absorb the workload.”
The Skegness Magistrates’ Court workload would relocate to Boston.
Lincolnshire County Council Leader Martin Hill. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
In response to the closure plans, Councillor Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We will be responding to this consultation to raise our concerns and to highlight how important the magistrates’ courts are to the communities of Lincolnshire.
“Local criminal justice is about having a fair trial for those alleged offenders in their own community.
“Taking these two courts away would mean that they will be tried many miles away from their own communities. This would then have a detrimental impact on the victims of crime.
“If these Magistrates’ courts close, there would also be an economic impact on the county. The courts employ many people and the associated businesses contribute a significant amount to the local economy.
“We also want to make it clear what while any changes might represent potential savings to the Ministry of Justice, it will certainly mean additional costs for everyone else- including our already squeezed local police force.”
Courts and Tribunals Minister, Shailesh Vara, said: “We are reforming the courts and tribunal service so that it meets the needs of modern day users.
“Access to justice is not just about attending court. As we bring in digital technology for better and more efficient access to justice, fewer people will need to physically be in a court.
“This means that we will need fewer buildings, and with many already underused and in poor quality, now is a good time to review the estate.”
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Fire crews remain at the scene of a severe building fire which began in Louth overnight.
The blaze was called in at around 1.30am on Wednesday, May 18, concerning a building on Gresley Road.
Crews from Louth, Binbrook, Mablethorpe, Grantham and Alford were called to battle the fire, and nearby residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed.
Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue said the incident was still ongoing at around 6am and that crews from Caistor and Horncastle were assisting with damping down efforts.
People living in the area reported that flames had engulfed at least three homes. The extent of the damage has not yet been officially confirmed.
It is not yet clear if anyone has been injured.
This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.
The ‘It’s Not a Job’ campaign, launched in March 2022, continues to build momentum in Lincolnshire as it shines a light on the fantastic care professionals already working in the adult social care sector.
To attract more people to the profession, Lincolnshire County Council celebrates carers with short film depicting a day in the life of two carers, Kai Wade (21) from Lincoln and Gina Bennett (45) from Boston.
The film shows a typical working day; the carers enjoy the company of their service users, and the sense of purpose gained by supporting someone to continue living independently is a clear message throughout.
The film goes beyond showing how rewarding and valuable the home care profession can be, it also highlights the benefits to the carer for their work-life balance. Gina finishes her shift in time for an afternoon dog walk, and Kai spends quality time at the dinner table with his siblings.
Gina Bennett
Gina has worked her way up from carer, through to senior carer and now works as a CQL for Cera Care in Boston. She said, “It is where my heart lies, I really enjoy this line of work; it’s rewarding and enjoyable. I’d say, do this job if you genuinely care – happy people make a happy workplace.”
Kai works for Fosse Healthcare in Lincoln as a management support officer; his role involves both administrative duties and providing care in the home.
He said, “I took an interest in home care because I have family working in the sector. Since I started, I’ve found I’m more in touch with my compassionate side and I’ve developed my people skills through getting to know the people I care for and colleagues in the office.”
Kai Wade
A career in adult social care allows people to make a difference to the lives of others whilst still having time for other commitments. Prior experience and qualifications are not essential. What is most important is kindness, patience, and compassion. Care providers are looking for people with transferrable skills and a good work ethic.
A network of nine home care providers work with Lincolnshire County Council to deliver the home care service across the county. Lincolnshire County Council has created a handy, short online form to help people in Lincolnshire connect with their local care providers to find flexible home care roles.
A single enquiry form on the webpage streamlines the process by connecting jobseekers with the care providers most suited to their location and preferences. Upon completing the short form, one of the county’s homecare providers will be in touch to answer questions and help to find a suitable role.
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