“I have worked with the local magistrates on this issue since January and made representations on their behalf. During this time I have written to the Lord Chancellor and the area director responsible for the consultation. I have been given assurances this merger does not mean the closure of magistrates courts. Instead it is meant to ensure a better service in delivering justice.”

“I know that on each Tuesday all prisoners in the South West Lancashire area are dealt with at Ormskirk Magistrates. At the moment the hearing of custody cases is moved between Chorley and Ormskirk. There is already close working between the areas of West Lancashire, South Ribble and Chorley."

“Now we know the outcome of the consultation, which is to merge the areas, I will be speaking to the Lord Chancellor and Ministers. I have made it clear and will do so again that I will not accept any backdoor attempts to get rid of Ormskirk magistrates court.”