The future of Shrewsbury’s county court is up in the air after it was named on a list of sites being considered for closure by the Government.
It is one of five ‘under-used and inadequate’ courts in the county to be put forward by the coalition government as part of cost-cutting measures to deal with Britain’s £155 billion defecit.
The court in Cambrian House, Chester Street, Shrewsbury, is used to deal with civil matters including family work and bankruptcy cases.
It is unclear where cases would be heard if the court closed but future disputes could be heard on-line or via video-links.
Courts Minister Jonathan Djanogly said yesterday, Wednesday, the 157 sites facing the axe were ‘under-used’ and ‘inadequate’. If they are all axed, it would save £15.3 million per year in running costs and a further £21.5 million on maintenance.
Ministers want to explore advances in technology to save money, meaning future disputes could be resolved on-line or via video and telephone links.
Mr Djanogly said: “When public finances are under pressure, it is vital to eliminate waste and reduce costs. We now have the opportunity to think afresh about how we can create a more modern fit-for-purpose justice system in line with the way we live our lives today.
“Across the civil, family and criminal courts I want to explore ways we can harness technology more effectively so people don’t necessarily have to physically attend court when they give evidence or access court services.
“We should not think about access to justice as simply a question of length of the journey to the nearest court.
“In the future, we need to look at whether through the more effective use of video and telephone links and other technology including online services, we can improve the public’s experience of the justice system,” he added.
Other county venues on the list are magistrates courts at Ludlow, Oswestry and Market Drayton, as well as Ludlow County Court.
By Anna Williams
