PLANS to close Bournemouth Magistrates' Court will 'deepen inequalities in the justice system', solicitors have warned.

Members of the Law Society have spoken out following a Ministry of Justice consultation on proposals to close 91 courts and tribunals and integrate or merge 31 more across the UK.

Society president Jonathan Smithers said all must be able to access the justice system.

"The proposed closure of Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court will make it more difficult for a significant number people to get to court, and the closures will more adversely affect people with disabilities and lower income families," Mr Smithers said.

"Combined with the further planned increases in court fees and reductions in eligibility for legal aid, this closure will serve to deepen the inequalities in the justice system between those who can and cannot afford to pay.

"No matter who you are, no matter where you live, everyone in England and Wales must be able to access legal advice and the justice system."

As reported by the Daily Echo in July, Bournemouth Magistrates' Court faces the axe if proposals to move cases to Poole go ahead.

The proposed closure would mean there would be just two magistrates courts - Poole and Weymouth - covering the whole county.

HM Coroner for Dorset would also need to relocate from the part of the Stafford Road building it currently leases.

Separate proposals recommend the closure of Dorchester Crown Court with its business moving to Bournemouth Crown Court in Riverside Avenue.

Mr Smithers said Law Society members have "serious concerns" about the impact of closing the Grade II-listed court, as well as the ability of Poole Magistrates' Court to cope with the extra cases.

The consultation paper gives a travel time to Poole of approximately 15 minutes by car.

However, the minimum travel time for travelling across the conurbation is at least 30 minutes, and longer at peak times, Mr Smithers added.

It is reported that members of the Bournemouth and District Law Society and Dorset Law Society have issued a joint response to the consultation recommending that the Ministry of Justice assess the cost of updating and refurbishment of Bournemouth Magistrates' Court and Coroners Court into a modern facility on the existing central site.