THE loss of North Craven's courts could have affected local justice, it was claimed this week.

The magistrates' courts at Settle and Ingleton were closed some years ago with cases transferring to Skipton, 26 miles away.

But the increased distance could have deterred people from appearing as witnesses, Bentham resident and former councillor Ralph Atkinson told the Ingleborough Area Forum.

His remarks came as Sgt Cris Pappin, the officer in charge of policing in North Craven, called for better public co-operation in solving crime and bringing about prosecutions.

Sgt Pappin told the forum: "The only way we can solve crime is with the help of the public. One of the things that causes me the most trouble is the number of incidents where the complainant declines to prosecute. It concerns me because of the message that gives to certain people within our community.

"In 8.5 per cent of all crimes the complainant tells us they do not want to do anything about it, but it is when you look at incidents of violence it is most shocking. For wounding, 37 per cent of people said they didn't want to do anything about it.

"For the less serious assaults, but nevertheless still an assault, 53 per cent of the time we are told 'we don't want you to do anything about it'.

"My concern is the message this gives to the unruly elements - yes I can go out, yes I can assault somebody, no they won't do anything about it," said Sgt Pappin.

Mr Atkinson added: "People are not willing to stand up and be counted and that is made much more difficult by the withdrawal of courts locally.

"The nearest one for this area is now at Skipton and you have to travel all that distance. It means time off work and people are just not economically able to do that."

However, Coun Carl Lis said many people did not think justice would be done, believing guilty people were sometimes wrongly acquitted.

Difficulties in contacting the police were also blamed for people declining to be witnesses.

However, Chief Inspector Nick Smedley said efforts were being made to improve the system for the public contacting the police for non-urgent inquiries.

By dialling the local police station number at a local call rate, callers are automatically connected to a central switchboard and the average time it takes to answer a call is now 11 to 12 seconds, he said.

"There have been staffing difficulties and technical problems with software," added Chief Insp Smedley.

Coun Mike Doyle, a member of the Police Authority, said: "Internal police communication with digital radios is far, far better than it was previously, but will only work effectively with a centralised call handling system, which is why it has got to be right. It is at the top of our priorities."

It was also pointed out that the police are waiting for a new speed gun, partly funded by the Ingleton Rural Community Association, to be approved by the Home Office.