MAGISTRATES have condemned the decision to axe the only criminal court in the New Forest as a major blow to local justice.

The two-storey building next to Lyndhurst police station is one of 142 UK courts being closed by the Ministry of Justice to save more than £40 million.

New Forest cases will be heard in Southampton from next April.

Maggie Hill, the Forest’s top magistrate, said extra travelling costs faced by court users would be “insignificant” compared with the cost to justice.

“We produced a compelling and convincing case that refuted many of the claims made in the closure consultation document,” she said.

“Now, after only 15 years of use, a modern, well-appointed and functional building will go to waste along with its visible presence of justice in our unique community.”

Campaigners have been fighting to save the court since January last year.

Mrs Hill said: “Lyndhurst has a better than average record of successful trials and witness attendance.

“This record will suffer if attendance of defendants and witnesses in Southampton proves to be less reliable because of the distance and cost involved.”