EIGHTEEN jobs are at risk after proposals have been revealed to close West Cumbria’s only court.

Plans have been put forward to shut West Cumbria magistrates and county court in Workington. This would see defendants and witnesses travelling from Copeland and Allerdale to Carlisle for criminal and civil court cases.

The consultation document, published two weeks ago, says there are 18 members of staff based at West Cumbria Courthouse.

The Whitehaven News asked the HM Courts and Tribunal Service this week about whether staff will be relocated or lose their jobs if the proposed closure goes ahead.

A spokesman for HM Courts and Tribunal Service said: “This is a consultation and we want to hear people’s views before making any decisions.

“We encourage anyone with an interest to reply to the consultation. Once decisions have been made we will support our staff through any changes.”

Since the proposals were revealed, solicitors, magistrates and political figures have hit out at the plans, citing numerous problems including transport difficulties for both witnesses and defendants and potential delays in court cases being heard.

Alongside the Workington building, off Ramsay Brow, the report also recommends that Kendal’s court should close. The plan would only leave courts in Carlisle and Barrow.

A consultation on the closure recommendation runs until October 8.