WYRE Forest MP Mark Garnier has branded changes to the court remand system, where defendants are now bussed from Shropshire to Kidderminster for hearings, as "ridiculous".

Mr Garnier has voiced support for Ludlow MP Philip Dunne after he called for a review of the centralised remand system, which has seen defendants in Shropshire "being held longer than necessary" and moved to Kidderminster for hearings.

Mr Dunne has been pressing the Ministry of Justice to review the impact of these changes, which were made in July last year.

The court remand hearings are currently centralised in Worcestershire, and those who have been arrested in Shropshire have had to wait overnight at Telford Magistrates' Court, before being taken to Kidderminster Magistrates' via bus for hearings the following morning.

Mr Dunne tweeted: "Clear concerns relocation of remand court services in rural areas like Shropshire leading to people being held longer than necessary. Pressing MoJ to review the impact of these changes."

Now, MP Mark Garnier has said that the current system is "frustrating" and "burdening justice" in rural areas.

Mr Garnier said: "Philip Dunne is right about this issue, it's a ridiculous system.

"Everyone is entitled to a functioning system, one that people can respect, not one that will create frustration.

"Also, if a person is acquitted in Kidderminster, they then have to make their own way back.

"The system is burdening justice in our rural areas.

Mr Garnier also said he will be speaking about the issue with the Ludlow MP.