Local MP Mary Macleod attended the final session of Brentford Magistrates Court on Friday at a special event marking its 160 year history. Mary commented, “Brentford Magistrates Court has been an iconic part of the High Street for many years and an important part of the community. For generations it has proceeded over an extraordinary number of cases and leaves us with a historic record of serving crime and justice in the region.

Last month Mary tried to persuade Hounslow Council to put in a bid for the building by using the Mayor’s Outer London Fund. Mary added, “After holding discussions with those campaigning for the Magistrates Court I am disappointed that the Council did not feel strongly enough to retain it for the use of the community.

“This site has been a real hub for local people and businesses and I hope that the new owners will be sympathetic to this. I was pleased when earlier this year we managed to negotiate for the car park to continue to be used by the community for the time being. The French Market held there last week was a great success and shows how the site can and should remain a part of local life. It is not yet clear who will take over the building but I hope that events such as this will have a chance to carry on ensuring that the high street maintains its unique character.”