MP concerned over extended crown court closure

An MP said it is a "huge disappointment" that the Ministry of Justice has still not repaired a crown court, meaning victims have to travel miles for their hearings.

Taunton Crown Court at Shire Hall has been closed since 2023, after contractors uncovered "serious structural issues" with the flooring.

Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, said he will be putting pressure on the Ministry of Justice to speed up the repairs as the issue is having "a massive affect on victims, including victims of rape".

The HM Courts and Tribunal Service said the process has been "more complex than originally planned".

Amos said: "It's a huge disappointment that the Ministry of Justice have failed to complete the works as promised by the summer.

"Victims and jurors from across Somerset are really heavily affected by having to travel for miles with little public transport.

"On top of that it's harming our local legal and business community in Taunton, with law firms threatening to leave altogether, given the court has been closed for three years."

A spokesperson for the HM Courts and Tribunal Service said: "Taunton Shire Hall is undergoing extensive renovations and obtaining listed building consent has been more complex than originally planned due to its Grade II listed status.

"Structural concerns with the flooring, bespoke elements in terms of procurement and installation including the latest courtroom audio-visual equipment expanded the scope of the project and work has evolved into a more comprehensive refurbishment."

Amos added: "When parliament returns in a couple of weeks I will be challenging the justice ministry again."

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