The chairman of a magistrates' bench whose court faces closure under government cost-cutting proposals has joined the campaign to fight the move.

The Government wants to close courts in Melton, Market Harborough and Coalville, to save up to £300,000 a year.

Coalville cases would go to Hinckley, an hour's bus ride away.

Melton cases would transfer to Loughborough and Harborough cases to Leicester, both a 45-minute ride away.

Maggie Wilson, chairman of the Melton, Belvoir and Rutland Bench, said: "This proposal is ill-thought through on many levels and would leave the Rutland and Melton constituency with no seat of justice.

"We are putting a strong case together and will be conducting a travel survey every day during court sessions and petitioning and handing out flyers on markets days in Melton, Oakham and Uppingham."

Joe Orson, Asfordby division county councillor and Melton borough councillor, who is a supplementary magistrate for Loughborough, said: "Local justice for local people by local people is at stake here and it's important people get behind this campaign."

Mrs Wilson, who is also chairman of the Leicestershire and Rutland branch of the Magistrates' Association, said there was scope for other organisations to make use of the courthouse to bring in income.

Campaigners will be asking the public to sign the petition in Melton Market Place on Tuesdays and Saturdays and will also be encouraging them to write to MP Alan Duncan.

The consultation runs until September 15. Visit: