By Hayley Robinson

The fate of Sittingbourne Magistrates’ Court now lies in the hands of the Ministry of Justice.

The government announced its plans to close the Park Road court in June and transfer Swale cases to Medway or Canterbury as it battles to find savings in its budget.

Consultation closed on Wednesday and Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke is likely to make a decision later this year.

Among those opposing the closure are Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson, Swale council and Kent Police which says it could cost the force almost £35,000 a year in travelling expenses and additional officer time.

In total, 103 magistrates’ and 54 county courts that are deemed under-used and inadequate in England and Wales face possible closure. If implemented, running cost savings of about £15.3m per year could be achieved along with a saving of £21.5m on maintenance costs that could be avoided.