THE safeguarding of an east Cleveland magistrates' court has been welcomed by the local MP.

The Northern Echo reported on Thursday that cells are to be added to Guisborough Magistrates' Court and disabled access to the courthouse improved.

Now Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar, whose constituency includes Guisborough, said the news safeguards the future of the courthouse.

"I have been lobbying the Lord Chancellor's department for some time now to see that this work was carried out. I was concerned that if this was not done, then there could be a threat over the courthouse's future.

"This is now secure, and I look forward to a local court, dispensing local justice, rather than this function being transferred to Middlesbrough. Following the announcement of more cash for local schools, it is another example of Government spending benefiting this area.