FEARS over the future of one of the area's busiest magistrates courts left administrators baffled yesterday.

Councillor Jim Clark issued a statement indicating he is fighting for an assurance that the Harrogate's courthouse - opened in 1991 by Princess Diana - will not close.

He fears the recent closure of the magistrates' court in Richmond could be sign of things to come.

Coun Clark is also worried that if regional government becomes a reality, it could have an implication on local seats of justice.

He has also written to the Lord Chancellor seeking assurances that Harrogate's court has a long-term future.

"It is very important that justice should be administered locally and any further erosion of the justice system should be opposed," he said.

However, North Yorkshire justices chief executive Paul Bradley said he was unaware that Harrogate faced any threat to its future.

"It's one of our busiest, running three courts a day every day of the week, so I don't know where these fears have come from,'' he said