MAGISTRATES have pledged to fight to keep justice within reach in Warrington after a review of the courts system in Cheshire was announced.

The review by the county's Magistrates Court Committee could spell the end for the near-century old Arpley Street courtrooms above Warrington Police station.

Under proposals being discussed, magistrates will continue to sit at Warrington - but there is a strong possibility this will be in a new purpose-built facility.

New court buildings in Chester are safeguarded in the review, with a new facility suggested for Macclesfield.

Question marks hang over the future of Crewe Magistrates' Court - but Northwich courthouse appears to be doomed.

James Pearson, chairman of the magistrates' bench at Warrington, says talks are still in the early stages - but he stressed JPs were keen to "keep justice local".

Mr Pearson, who believed the town would continue to run a courts system and that the administration of local justice was secure, said: "The magistrates in Warrington are in favour of local justice.

"Whichever buildings are used for the new courts, we would expect them to have better facilities than the present Warrington Magistrates' Court."

Any new proposals would have to take into account the fact that many defendants might have to attend hearings using public transport, believed Mr Pearson.

He added: "There is no use in setting the courts up out of town like shopping centres. Some court users might not have their own transport. The town centre would seem to be the most appropriate location."

The future of the courts system should become clearer later this year when more details of the proposals are announced.

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