Sandwell Magistrates Court to close
Sandwell Magistrates Court is to shut, along with dozens around the country, it was announced today.
The Government announced the court was one of 84 across the country which would be axed as they were underused to save money.
It had been feared jobs would be lost as part of the move at Sandwell, but that is not the case.
Ministers said the British justice system needed modernising but the decision was slammed by West Bromwich MP Tom Watson.
It means victims of crime and their families will now have to travel to Walsall to hear cases.
In 2014/15 the Oldbury Ringway court house cost £407,000 to run but was only used to 47 per cent of its total capacity.
But Mr Watson, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, has made a passionate case for the court staying open since it was announced last year it could be closed.
Birmingham Youth Court and Solihull Magistrates Court will also shut.
