This consultation paper 'Alteration of the local justice areas of Chorley, Ormskirk and South Ribble' outlines a proposal to merge three areas to form the south west Lancashire local justice area. This was done under section 8 of the Courts Act 2003. It was launched on 4 November 2005, ended on 3 February 2006 and the summary of responses was published on 16 June 2006.
| Consultation begins on | 4 November 2005 |
| Consultation ends on | 3 February 2006 |
| Summary of responses published on | 16 June 2006 |
The consultation paper sets out in appropriate depth the reasons for the area director's present proposal to combine the Chorley, Ormskirk and South Ribble local justice areas (LJA) in South West Lancashire. It shows how this will obtain the benefit of economies of scale and through it improve the quality of service Her Majesty's Court Service provides to the parties to court proceedings before, during and after any court hearing. Also, it shows the increased flexibility that the abandonment of the present inflexible local justice area boundaries will bring.
This report summarises the responses received to the consultation paper 'Alteration of the local justice areas of Chorley, Ormskirk and South Ribble'. It outlines the business case advanced for the proposed changes including local justice and the appointment of future magistrates and makes a detailed analysis of all the responses. The conclusion based on the responses puts forward the proposal to merge the local justice areas to the Lord Chancellor
Further copies of the consultation paper can be obtained by contacting the address below:
Helen Hynes
Her Majesty's Courts Service
Area Director's Office
The Sessions House
Lancaster Road, Preston
PR1 2PD
Telephone: 01772 272851