HALTON Magistrates’ Court and Warrington County Court could close under new Government plans.

Almost one fifth of court buildings in England and Wales including 18 in the north west have been recommended for closure in a consultation published by Courts Minister, Shailesh Vara.

The proposed changes reveal how hearing rooms are on average used for only a third of their available time, which is the equivalent to fewer than two out of five days in a week.

He said: “We are reforming the courts and tribunal service so that it meets the needs of modern day users. “Access to justice is not just about attending court. As we bring in digital technology for better and more efficient access to justice, fewer people will need to physically be in a court.

“This means that we will need fewer buildings, and with many already underused and in poor quality, now is a good time to review the estate.”

He added that 95 per cent of the population would still be able to reach their nearest court within an hour by car after the proposed closures.

Natalie Ceeney, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service chief executive, added: “Our estate is a significant asset.

"We currently have a number of surplus buildings and this consultation puts forward proposals on their future.

“As we modernise our service so that fewer people will need to attend a court in person, spending money on unsuitable or rarely used buildings is not good value for money for taxpayers."

The consultation will last for 12 weeks, closing on October 8.