AS one of North Yorkshire's magistrates' courts waits to learn its fate, another is preparing to reopen following refurbishment.

Northallerton Magistrates' Court, in Racecourse Lane, is due to be returned to use by the start of next year, and will be fitted with the latest equipment and facilities.

But the future of Richmond Magistrates' Court has still to be decided, while North Yorkshire's Magistrates' Court Committee awaits an appeal decision from the Lord Chancellors office.

The decision is expected in the next few days.

Last year, the committee identified Richmond for closure because of a number of factors, including a lack of facilities for victims and witnesses, and low usage.

Justices' chief executive Paul Bradley said yesterday: "We decided to close the court because we believe the workload can be handled entirely at Northallerton when it reopens.

"Although we haven't had any real problems at Richmond while Northallerton has been closed, it is fair to say the facilities are not ideal."

When the decision to close Richmond was made an appeal was immediately lodged by North Yorkshire County Council.

Councillor John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council and a county councillor, said if the town's court did close then people, especially those in more rural parts, would lose an essential local service.

"This could have huge implications for people living in more remote areas who have to rely on public transport," said Coun Blackie.

"For example, a round trip from Hawes to Northallerton, with time in court, would mean a 12-hour outing for somebody relying on buses.

"Even people from Catterick would struggle getting to Northallerton.

"It is totally impractical and the district council is 150 per cent behind the county council's decision to appeal."

The refurbished magistrates' court in Northallerton is due to open in January, later than expected because of flooding and operational problems.

The building will include separate waiting rooms for defendants and witnesses, increased security, a cell complex for prisoners and a video link, which will allow witnesses to give evidence in court from a separate room.