The town’s courts will both close after a major spending review by the Government.

The Ministry of Justice has announced that Macclesfield Magistrates’ Court and Macclesfield County Court will shut down as part of its efforts to save money.

In a change to the original proposals, Stockport Magistrates’ Court will remain open, which means the workload from Macclesfield Magistrates Court will be moved to Stockport instead of Crewe as originally proposed.

But defendants, witnesses, solicitors and police from Macclesfield will still have to travel at least half an hour - or an hour on public transport - to access the system.

Macclesfield MP David Rutley said he is disappointed.

He said: “I’m disappointed with the decision to not go ahead with our local call for a Macclesfield justice centre in favour of the retention of Stockport Magistrates and county court services.

“I worked hard with Macclesfield Town Council, Cheshire East Council and Peter Nash, the chairman of the south and east Cheshire Magistrates, to put the case for a justice centre in Macclesfield, but sadly we were unsuccessful ion this occasion.

“However, I am pleased that local residents will be able to access court services in Stockport rather than having to go all the way to Crewe which had been envisaged in the initial proposals - that is positive progress.”

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In the report published today (Thursday, February 11) Gill Hague, delivery director for HM Courts & Tribunals Service North West, said: “Having reviewed all the responses and alternative proposals submitted, the Lord Chancellor has decided to retain Stockport Magistrates’ Court and County Court and to transfer the workload of Macclesfield County Court to Stockport. HM Courts & Tribunals Service recognise the challenges that travelling to Crewe could raise, and given the responses (with travel times a key theme), has concluded that keeping the courthouse in Stockport open and moving Macclesfield work there is a more effective option.”

Stockport County Court set to take most of the workload from Macclesfield County Court, with family public care work hearings transferred to Manchester County Court. There are 11 members of staff based at the Macclesfield courts and the court is currently open for court trials on Tuesday and Thursday.