PLANS to axe magistrates courts in Tavistock and Okehampton have been slammed as 'preposterous' by West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett.

Devon and Cornwall magistrates courts committee announced the cost-cutting proposals yesterday (Wednesday) — there will now be a ten-week consultation period to decide where the axe will fall among the 25 courts in Devon and Cornwall

Mr Burnett said there would be a 'battle royal' to fight for local justice in local areas.

He said the proposals were 'utterly ludicrous' on three points.

'First and foremost we have in our rural towns no difficulty regarding magistrates — we have a very high calibre of magistrates who have continued to serve the community — they can rest assured of my support,' said Mr Burnett.

'Secondly justice should be done and seen to be done locally, by people who know the area and who are aware of the difficulties and concerns of individuals.

'Thirdly we have very little public transport — it's going to waste time, it's going to be very expensive and bad for the roads and the environment.

'Everything is wrong with this preposterous decision, it is short-sighted and ill-judged.'

Mr Burnett said he and his parliamentary colleagues would fight the proposals and would be appealing to the appropriate minister of state if the courts committee decided to go ahead with the cuts.

John Maunder, chairman of the magistrates courts committee, said: 'We appreciate that many people will feel courthouse closures have a profound effect on their community.

'However, we need to deliver an excellent service for the whole of Devon and Cornwall, which we believe will be best served by focusing our progressively reducing funding on a smaller number of premises offering better facilities, especially for the disabled.'

The committee will consider the views put forward until March 29 — it expects to finalise plans on April 13.