Shropshire courts on closure list

Five courts in Shropshire could be shut to save money, it was revealed today.

Ludlow, Oswestry and Market Drayton magistrates courts, together with Shrewsbury and Ludlow county courts, face the axe as part of the coalition Government's cost-cutting drive as it grapples with Britain's £155 billion deficit.

Their names are in a list of 103 magistrates courts and 54 county courts in England and Wales, published this afternoon, whose futures are to be consulted on.

In a written ministerial statement, Justice secretary Kenneth Clarke said the Government will keep courts open in the "most strategically important locations".

Consultation papers setting out proposals to close 103 magistrates' courts and 54 county courts, 40 per cent of the 530 currently open, have been published online.

Mr Clarke said: "When public finances are under pressure, it is vital to eliminate waste and reduce costs. At the same time we should also take the opportunity to think afresh about how we can provide more modern court services."

Courts Minister Jonathan Djanogly said the courts facing the axe were "under-used" and "inadequate". If all 157 sites are axed, some £15.3m per year could be saved in running costs and a further £21.5m on maintenance.

Ministers want to explore advances in technology to save money. It means 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.