Access to justice in Rotherham "limited"

South Yorkshire Police will officially open a new £12 million custody suite on April 5 to cover arrests from Sheffield and Rotherham.

But Hester Russell, head of criminal law at Harthill’s Solicitors, said the closure of the Main Street facilities - along with Rotherham Magistrates’ Court - could be a “disaster” for the town.

Mrs Russell said: “While the new premises are impressive, the impact on Rotherham folk has not been thought through.

“This is yet another move that will limit access to justice in our town.”

The Ministry of Justice announced last month it will close Rotherham magistrates’, county and family courts by the end of the year.

It means witnesses and defendants face a trip to Sheffield Magistrates’ Court for hearings.

Mrs Russell said: “For months, Rotherham Main Street police station has only been open to the public on a part-time basis.

“I have come across people desperately trying to report crimes through an intercom, sometimes in the pouring rain.

“In my view, the situation will soon go from bad to worse and I don’t think there’s much that can be done to improve the situation.”

South Yorkshire Police said replacing “outdated” custody suites in Rotherham and Sheffield with the new 50-cell facility will save the force around £1.2 million per year.

The new suite, on Shepcote Lane, Sheffield, will also be the new home for investigative officers and health and social services staff.

Chief Insp Stuart Walne, head of custody, said: “The facilities provide a more professional and supportive environment for officers, solicitors and detainees on the border of Rotherham and Sheffield.

“Most solicitors have given positive feedback so it would be useful to understand why some may feel any limit to access to justice.

“Full legal provision will be maintained and the facilities to support solicitors working on site are far in advance of anything available elsewhere in the county, and indeed the region.

“It’s worth considering that a key goal of justice is preventing re-offending and the increased access to health services that comes with the new suite will be a significant step to that aim.”

Chief Con David Crompton said: “Custody staff have one of the most challenging roles in policing South Yorkshire and the new centre provides them with integrated, modern facilities to manage high-risk situations and return officers to the streets at the earliest possible opportunity.

“The centre is also a real step forward with investigating officers and partners co-located with the custody staff, providing a more effective service when dealing with some of our most difficult customers.”

Dr Alan Billings, police and crime commissioner, said the new centre will save money as existing facilities are “unsuitable and expensive to run”.