Market Harborough Lib Dems launch petition to save town court

11.38.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Jul 2010

Sarah Clarke, Cllr Phil Knowles, Chris Etherington, Cllr Colin Davies and Cllr Julie Simpson with the Lib Dem petition

The public concern at the possible loss of the Magistrates Court in Market Harborough was very evident as shoppers stopped to sign the petition in the town centre on Saturday morning. Within minutes over 100 residents had put their names to the petition against the loss of another local facility.

Speaking after the launch, Lib Dem spokesperson Cllr Phil Knowles said:

"It is evident that the community is keen to ensure that this matter is subjected to the closest possible scrutiny. People are worried at the potential loss and its possible impact. Residents want to be sure that the the savings it is claimed may be made are balanced against the problems of all concerned needing to travel in and out to Leicester - if that is where the facility is provided in the future. They are worried about the impact on an already stretched police force and the wider community along with the loss of justice being administered locally."