Towngate Theatre should be temporarily used as a space for extra court sittings, a councillor has said. 

Pitsea South East Councillor Luke Mackenzie has asked if Basildon Council could help clear the backlog in criminal cases which have mounted up due to Covid-19, by using the council chamber or even Towngate Theatre as a place to facilitate extra court sittings.

This comes after The Guardian reported how England and Wales now face a huge backlog of 40,000 criminal cases. 

Councillor Mackenzie, said: "Given that the council chamber sits largely unoccupied during the day in normal times, and has a layout that could be conducive to a court setting, it may be an ideal venue for both the Crown and Magistrate Courts to use.

"As the council building is just across the road from both courts, this could make the logistics of such a partnership easier.

"In addition to this, the Towngate Theatre could present another option."

Following a request from Mr Mackenzie, the Chief Executive of Basildon Council has now asked his legal department to make contact with the courts to investigate how they may be able to assist them in clearing the backlog.

Luke continued: “The backlog means that potentially dangerous criminals are walking our streets while awaiting sentencing; these individuals may also go on to commit further crimes. Also, victims are having to wait for closure and justice delayed is justice denied.

“The council has to ensure distancing measures are in place once the building reopens and this may create further challenges, but I know Basildon Council and its officers have a history of going beyond their remit and cooperating with partners to help local residents.

"I’m thankful to the Chief Executive for his consideration of this proposal and for all the hard work he and his team do.”