The borough faces a "double whammy" next week as much argued-over reports into the future of police numbers and magistrates courts are finally published.

They are likely to spell doom for Barnet's criminal justice system, with the potential closure of magistrates courts and loss of new police officers.

On Monday the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) reveals its final recommendations for the Resource Allocation Formula (RAF), which decides how officers are shared between the boroughs.

Under the draft document seen in September Barnet would have gained an extra 60 officers.

But Lord Toby Harris, MPA chairman, this week told the Times Group Barnet had lost out during the consultation process.

"Between versions one and two Barnet stopped being a big gainer and became a much smaller gainer or stopped gaining at all," he admitted.

"This is a consultation process and if you invite people to comment you have to listen and consider what they say."

Senior officers and politicians had expressed relief at the draft RAF that has now turned to horror.

The second blow is likely to fall on Thursday next week when the Greater London Magistrates Courts Authority (GLMCA) announces its cost-cutting shake-up of magistrates courts.

Under the majority of proposals, the borough's two courts, in Hendon and Barnet, face closure, despite vociferous protests by magistrates.

Left without a court house, magistrates, defendants and witnesses would have to travel to Brent.

Magistrates claim the implications would have a detrimental impact on justice in the borough.

Councillor Brian Coleman, GLA Member for Barnet and Camden, said of the move: "It is a double whammy. I think we have been failed big time by the Government.

"Never mind local justice, we won't be catching any criminals to put in court houses."

December 4, 2001 16:45

MATTHEW NIXSON