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   Empty shops 'not the answer' for Salford courts
Hazel Blears MP has criticised the suggestion that empty shops in shopping centres be used as Magistrates Courts. The former Communities Secretary introduced a series of measures last year to make it easier for local groups to transform empty shops into art galleries, social enterprises and community centres. Eccles Community Art gallery on Boothsway has gone from strength to strength, making use of an empty shop front in Eccles Precinct. But she dismissed the latest empty shop suggestion by the Magistrates Association as a “step too far”. “I think there’s a world of difference between using empty shops as art galleries and the serious business of dealing with criminals and justice,” she said. “The idea of putting family matters, sexual offences or youth court cases in a shopping centre with passing shoppers peering in through the window is totally inappropriate. “Can you imagine trial witnesses being gawped at by hordes of shoppers? It’s hard enough getting some vulnerable witnesses to court anyway.” Ms Blears, a former senior local authority solicitor, added that cost-cutting ideas should not be allowed to override the important issue of delivering justice in a dignified and sensitive way. “Here in Salford our magistrates court has piloted special domestic violence courts, anti-social behaviour courts and restorative justice courts. "All of these pilots need to be approached sensitively, as we are dealing with highly personal information. Bundling sensitive cases into an empty shop in a shopping centre would threaten a lot of the progress we’ve made.” Source: Office of Hazel Blears MP
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