IMPROVEMENTS are to be made to a magistrates' court to secure its future and ensure that justice is seen to be done.

Work will start shortly at Guisborough magistrates court. Cleveland Magistrates Courts Committee says cells will be built and an access ramp for people with disabilities will be contructed.

Since Guisborough police station was closed two years ago, cases involving prisoners have had to be heard more than ten miles away at Teesside magistrates court, one of the ten busiest courthouses in the country.

It has also meant that on occasions, defendants who have been given custodial sentences have had to wait up to an hour for a police escort to arrive from Redcar.

Colin Monson, chief executive of Cleveland Magistrates Courts Service, said the improvements will secure the future of local justice in East Cleveland.

"After seeking funds for more than two years, we are delighted that the Lord Chancellor's Department has given the green light for this essential work to go ahead.

"Magistrates at Guisborough will again be able to dispense local justice for all local people.

"We are grateful to all those who have joined us in pressing for the necessary funds."

Jim Donaldson, chairman of the Langbaurgh East bench of magistrates, said: "I am delighted that the future of the courthouse at Guisborough has been secured.

"It means that the delivery of local justice to the people of East Langbaurgh continues to be in the hands of local people and long may it continue to be."

l Applications from people wishing to become magistrates are always welcome for Guisborough, Hartlepool or Teesside magistrates' courts.

For details call Gill Anderson on (01642) 261612 or write to her at Teesside Magistrates Courts, Victoria Square, Middlesbrough, TS1 2AS.