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March, 2016 Issue 13
What’s on, Page 28 | Sport, Page 33
Court house site in line for redevelopment after decision is taken to close complex
End of an era Farmers market to close
Page 2
Let’s stay together
MP backs EU membership
Page 3
Campaigners vow to save Sodbury library Protesters start petition
Page 9
LAND currently occupied by Yate’s court house looks set to be redeveloped after a decision was taken to close the building. North Avon Magistrates’ Court in Kennedy Way is likely to hear its last cases sometime between October and December, after which hearings will be transferred to Bristol Magistrates’ Court in the city
centre. That will allow the site, where justice has been dispensed for more than 30 years, to be sold off for a different use. Closure of the court was announced after the completion of a review into magistrates’ courts across the country. A report said the premises housed five courtrooms to deal with adult and youth criminal
cases, had a dozen custody cells and in the last financial year cost about £288,000 to run. But it is not used to full capacity and continuing to operate at such a low level did not justify keeping it open There are concerns about how people involved in hearings will now get to Bristol. Full story on Page 10.
Tourist information centre under threat Yate Council pulls funding
Page 13
Sodbury bank on Kiwi cunning Cricket club unveil overseas player
Page 37