I campaigned with local magistrates and was successful in stopping the backdoor merger that would have amalgamated Ormskirk Magistrates with Chorley and South Ribble. I opposed these proposals as they were not in the best interests of West Lancashire. I was able to meet with Justice Minister Harriet Harman who said following the meeting, "I was persuaded by the cogency of your arguments for the present arrangements not to be changed and am writing to inform that I have decided not to proceed with the proposed merger."