THE Government failed to ensure the future of Knutsford's courthouse last week.

On Friday a spokesman could not explain a report from his department that stated the court had been given 'a five-year reprieve.'

"I've spoken to several colleagues involved in the Knutsford project and they are unfamiliar with the term," he said. Last week a document sent to Macclesfield Borough Council showed that the 185-year-old court might close in five years.

Residents believed it had been saved when Labour agreed not to close it this summer. But in a planning application they said it had only been given a reprieve.

Tatton MP George Osborne said on Monday that residents could be asked to fight for local justice again. "I've always known this was going to be a constant battle," he said. "We've got to keep a beady eye on the Government because they were busy telling us the court was safe soon before saying they wanted to axe it."

Magistrates, residents and councillors opposed the Lord Chancellor's plans to close the court. More than 2,000 signed a Guardian-led petition to protect the grade II* listed building. But last week a court source confirmed an overhaul of the service would see the future of the Sessions House questioned again.

"There will be a big review of all the court buildings, not just Knutsford," she said.

The Government have asked the borough council for permission to build internal temporary walls in the historic courthouse. Knutsford planners will discuss the proposal tonight (Wednesday).