A TORY councillor has called for a rethink on controversial plans to close Rossendale’s courthouses.

Coun Anne Cheetham, a magistrate for Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, said proposals to axe magistrates and district judge sittings in the valley ‘could have a detrimental effect on local justice’.

Town hall veterans have issued a rallying call to fight the plans, by Her Majesty’s Courts Service, before a consultation ends in September.

Under the moves, magistrates hearings will move from St Mary’s Chambers, Rawtenstall, to Burnley and county court business will be transferred from Grange Street to Accrington.

In recent years the valley has seen hospital services, the registrar’s office and the probation service transferred out of the borough.

Speaking at a full council meeting, Coun Cheetham said: “Over the years we have had so many services and facilities pulled out of Rossendale.

“This could have a detrimental effect on local justice, within our local community.

“Magistrates are volunteers who do not get paid for what they do.

"They know their local communities and sit in judgement on the people they live and work with. They know and understand these people.”

Coun Alan Neal said: “This could have a massive impact if they move these facilities to Accrington and Burnley.

“This will cause transport problems not only for members of the community but the council’s legal officers, who are attending cases.”

Court service officials say the plans will save nearly £356,000.

The backlog of maintenance costs for Rawtenstall Magistrates’ Court is £225,000.

Leading lawyers have also questioned the changes, claiming it will make it much harder for their clients to arrive at hearings on time.

Councillors have agreed to set up a consultation panel.