Youth cases have now permanently moved from Camberwell Green to Bromley Magistrates’ Court

This comes amid concerns the closure of Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court announced in February last year, and expected to happen next summer, will place extra pressure on already-stretched courts.

A HM Courts and Tribunal Service spokesperson said: “As part of our £1 billion investment to modernise the justice system and deliver better value to the taxpayer, youth cases have now been moved from Camberwell Green to Bromley Magistrates’ Court.”

Hearings for defendants over 18 will also be moved to Croydon Magistrates’ Court. 

Solicitors took to Twitter to share their disappointment with the closure on Friday.

Mel Stooks wrote: “My last duty at Camberwell Green Youth Court today as it closes its doors to the young people of Southwark and Lambeth. They are now expected to trek to Bromley. A very sad day for youth justice.”

Solicitor John McNamara commented it was a long way to travel for youth offenders in Camberwell, with Bromley Youth Court already busy.

A 2016 consultation on the closure saw strong opposition, and brought to light concerns there would be a rise in gang violence due to the rival gangs from different postcodes appearing in the same building.

Concerns raised during the consultation also included fears for miscarriages of justice due to the extra workload placed on rushed judges. 

Addressing these concerns, a HM Courts and Tribunal Service spokesperson said: “London has the densest concentration of magistrates’ courts in the country and we are confident access to justice can be maintained and significant savings for re-investment in our court reforms can be achieved through these closures.”

Some 86 courts, including 10 in London, have closed or are billed for closure across England and Wales as part of the plans.