Market Drayton's former court could be sold to highest bidder

A former Shropshire magistrates court - one of three in the county which closed last week because of Government spending cuts - could be sold off to the highest bidder, it emerged today.

Officials are examining "various disposal strategies" for Market Drayton Magistrates Court in Cheshire Street, which closed its doors on Friday. But the future of the former magistrates courts in Oswestry and Ludlow remains unclear.

Officials at Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service made the announcement.

A spokeswoman said: "HMCTS is exploring various disposal strategies to obtain the best value for the Market Drayton Magistrates Court building. Oswestry Magistrates Court is co-located with Oswestry County Court so nothing will happen before Oswestry County Court closes at the end of September.

"Once the Ludlow Magistrates Court building has been decommissioned it will be handed back to Ludlow Town Council, which owns it."

Councillor Roger Smith, Mayor of Market Drayton, today said he would like to see the old court building retained.

He said: "With having the library there next door I would like it to be retained for the use of the town.

"It's difficult to envisage what you could do with a purpose-built court building but I would hope the space can somehow be kept for the town's benefit." Oswestry mayor Councillor Elaine Channon said: "I am all for keeping old buildings.

"I am keen on conserving our architectural heritage so people can see examples and not pictures in books.

"Our small town needs to retain as much of its architectural heritage."

Gina Wilding, deputy clerk of Ludlow Town Council, said councillors would discuss the issue at a future meeting.

She said: "One potential use of the building would be as a tourist and visitors attraction. It's a historic site and the architecture is very interesting.

"That is one idea that has been banded about, while another is to use the court as a chamber for council meetings. We are very much open to ideas."

Following the closures their workloads were sent to Shrewsbury Magistrates Court. Critics said the move was "a disaster" for local justice, but HMCTS said it was essential to ensure public money was not wasted on "under-utilized" courts.