BRIDGWATER MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has condemned the Government's cost-cutting proposals to close Sedgemoor Magistrates' Court as "bloody ridiculous".

The small Northgate-based court is on the Ministry of Justice's list which could see 103 magistrates' courts and 54 county courts closed across England and Wales.

Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS) claims some of the 530 courts it operates out of are underused and do not fit the needs of modern communities.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said: "I am absolutely outraged at hearing this - it's bloody ridiculous and takes the justice system from locals and forces people to travel to places like Taunton.

"A town the size of Bridgwater needs to be seen to dispense justice and I will do my best to stop it from closing.

"I will approach Sedgemoor District Council, the town council and everyone I can because if we all unite we stand a chance of stopping this."

The Ministry of Justice has started consultations on the list and is eager to hear from people. If changes are implemented, around £15.3 million per year running costs would be saved, along with £21.5 million maintenance bills.

Other justice agencies would also save cash by focusing their attendance at a single accessible community location.

Courts minister Jonathan Djanogly said: "When public finances are under pressure, it is vital to eliminate waste and reduce costs. The Government is committed to supporting local justice, enabling justice to be done and seen to be done in our communities.

"Magistrates hear the majority of criminal cases and this voluntary contribution will continue to be strongly supported by the Government as the bedrock of our justice system."

Consultation documents are available on the Ministry of Justice website www.justice.gov.uk.

Closing date for responses is September 15.

Mr Djanogly added: "The Lord Chancellor and I are keen to hear the views of everyone with an interest in local justice arrangements. He will take all views into account before making any decision.

"As well as consulting on the courts, I want to begin a conversation about how the courts service could be modernised to improve the justice system as well as reduce its costs."

Sedgemoor Magistrates' Court was threatened with closure in 2002 but campaigning saved it.

Frank Clegg, Sedgemoor Magistrates' Court bench chairman:

"I think it's a shame if the Bridgwater court closes.

"A town the size of Bridgwater, which is growing, needs a court, needs justice in view.

"We were only told the other week no West Country courts will close but look at where we are now.

"It's a shame and we will do all we can to fight this."

Hugh Mackay JP, chairman of the Magistrates' Association (Somerset Branch):

"We are very concerned about the possible closures of Sedgemoor and Frome magistrates' courts.

"It's so important for communities to have easy access to justice, for them to see it administered and if they close, magistrates, defendants and solicitors among others will have to travel great distances at great expense."