FEARS that closing the office at Skipton Magistrates' Court could eventually lead to the closure of the actual court were raised at a public meeting.

Solicitor John Mewies told officials from the Magistrates Court Committee (MCC): "If the office goes, this court will be rendered far less efficient and that will be the death knell of this court ultimately. This is just the thin edge of the wedge."

The closure of the office is being discussed as part of a scheme to produce a long term building strategy and ensure public funds are spent appropriately.

The Government has stated that the MCC, which covers all the courts in North Yorkshire, must make efficiency savings of three per cent - £100,000 per year. Also this year it might not receive a hardship grant of £200,000 that it has received for the last two years.

To save money a consultation document has been drawn up to look at closing various offices and courts across the county.

In Skipton, the suggestion is to close just the office and run it from a central office in Harrogate. It is also looking at merging the county and magistrates court proceedings into one building.

But, closing the office will save only £9,000.

Solicitor Keith Blackwell said that it would save a meagre amount but would cause lots of problems. He said defendants would not be able to pay fines at the court and would be expected to pay fines at a bank, at the post office or via cheque or credit card.

Coun Shelagh Marshall said some defendants did not have a bank account. "I don't think this is taken into account sufficiently," she said.

Ian Cuthbert, of Kettlewell and Starbotton Parish Council, said: "It does not seem to me you will provide a better customer service for people who do not have debit or credit cards."

He said that those who wanted to see someone face to face would have to take two buses or a train and a bus to travel to Harrogate.

John Spencer, a solicitor for 28 years, said the office was efficiently run. "There is a great deal of experience talking here against what the bureaucrats seem to think is more efficient."

He added that Government policy should be to help employment and services in rural areas, not take them away.

John Bostock, chairman of the MCC, pointed out other courts in North Yorkshire were already running successfully with a remote office. He added closing the courtrooms was not being looked at.

Member of the public Shirley Hornsey said Craven was an isolated area and to have an office in Harrogate would be "ridiculous."

County Coun Mike Doyle added: "What is important with an office is to have a face there. If you lose the office you will damage the whole basis of the system."

Leader of Craven District Council Chris Knowles-Fitton said the proximity of the office to the police station in Skipton must make for fast processing of cases.

He thought if all the information had to travel between Harrogate and Skipton there might be delays.

Mr Bostock said all the comments would be taken into consideration before any decision was made.