Too few criminals coming through the doors at courts in Bingley, Keighley and Skipton could see them close after a Government claim they are “under-used”.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke yesterday announced Keighley Magistrates’ Court which sits at Bingley, along with Keighley County Court, Skipton Magistrates and Skipton County Court, could go as part of a cull of 103 magistrates courts and 54 county courts.

The Government says not all disputes need to be resolved in court and it wants to explore the extended use of video link and other methods of giving evidence.

Courts Minister Jonathan Djanogly said: “Across the civil, family and criminal courts I want to explore ways we can harness technology more effectively so people don’t necessarily have to physically attend court when they give evidence or access court services.”

Ministers say closing the 157 courts would save £15.3 million a year with an additional £21.5 million on maintenance costs.

Councillor John Pennington (Con Bingley) said: “Sadly, there is a lot of work for the justice system and they need the facilities. We need to know more about what is going to happen.

“I think we need to have local courts with local knowledge with local people and local policemen.”

The Ministry of Justice has not yet said where cases would now be heard, but Councillor Robin Owens (Con, Bingley) said, if they were to be taken on by a court in Bradford, he felt it would be unfair on certain groups.

He said: “My reservation is simply things like children going for antisocial behaviour orders, and people on their first offence, who would find going into the centre of Bradford a bit overbearing. I don’t think its necessarily fair on those people. I think its much fairer all round for minor cases to be heard locally.

“There are still white vans turning up in the morning so it is still being used.”

Skipton MP Julian Smith said last night: “Following today’s decision by the Ministry of Justice to consult on the future role of Skipton Magistrates’ Court and Skipton County Court, I will be campaigning hard to make the case that these courts are uniquely positioned to serve our local community.

“I will be meeting with all those interested in saving our courts in the coming weeks and look forward to leading a vigorous campaign to keep them.”

A consultation into the future of the courts will end on September 15. For more information visit justice.gov.uk.