Lloyd: Oldham should keep its court

Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd (right) with Oldham council leader Councillor Jim McMahon

INTERIM Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd hopes to persuade the Ministry of Justice to allow Oldham to keep its courts.

A consultation ending on October 8 recommends closure of 14 court buildings in the region, including Oldham’s magistrate and county courts.

Cases from Oldham would move to Tameside magistrates, while county cases from Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Tameside and Macclesfield would transfer to Manchester.

The news sparked fury at this month’s full council meeting, with Oldham councillors unanimously backing a motion to write to Justice Secretary Michael Gove urging him to let the borough keep its courts.

Speaking during a visit to Waterhead, Mr Lloyd revealed that all of Greater Manchester’s local authorities are working together towards the best solution.

Mr Lloyd said in the event that the proposed closures do take place, the possibility of using other public buildings in Oldham for court proceedings was being explored.