NORTH Yorkshire residents faced with the closure of their local courthouse are being given a chance to quiz the committee behind the proposals.

Public meetings, organised by the North Yorkshire Magistrates Courts Committee, will be held in coming weeks at each courthouse faced with the axe.

Last month the committee published a consultation document outlining plans which could see five town courts moved to a central building in York.

The proposal has already come under fire from local campaigners who fear a large number of county residents will be forced to travel to courts miles away in York or Scarborough.

A feasibility study is being carried out to establish whether the existing court at Scarborough can be adapted to replace them or whether a new courthouse should be built.

The five are Pickering, Selby, Richmond, Skipton and Whitby - three offices in Selby, Skipton and Easingwold would also close.

The public meetings have been welcomed by two North Yorkshire MPs campaigning to save the courts - Ryedale's John Greenway and Selby's John Grogan.

Paul Bradley, justices chief executive said the meetings were part of an ongoing consultation process.

"They will provide a chance for members of the public to ask questions about the proposals and express their views directly to members of the committee," he explained.

Ryedale MP John Greenway welcomed the consultation which, he said, would give people a chance to have their say.

"This is a ridiculous move because it will leave residents in Ryedale without an essential public service," he said.

"If this proposal goes ahead it means there will be no courthouse between York and Scarborough.

"It is essential that as many people as possible turn up and put their views forward."

Selby MP John Grogan said it was an excellent opportunity for residents and civic leaders to show their support for keeping a court in the town.

"I will be attending myself and I hope lots of other people will come along," he said.

"This is a vital local service and it is essential people turn up and express their views.

"I have been in talks with local police officers, councillors and local solicitors and they will be going along to put their views forward."

Meetings at the courthouses will take place at Selby, on November 29 at 4pm, at Richmond, on December 3 at 4pm, at Skipton, on December 13 at 4pm, at Whitby, on December 17 at 11am and at Pickering, on December 17 at 4pm.

Updated: 08:26 Tuesday, November 20, 2001