PLANS to close the magistrates courts in Consett and Bishop Auckland have been dropped following strong protests.

But County Durham's Magistrates' Courts Committee is now proposing to shut a court at Durham City or Chester-le-Street, which is six miles from the city.

The closures of Consett and Bishop Auckland were proposed on costs grounds because the two buildings were estimated to require £115,978 and £70,517 respectively to maintain them during the next five years, money that would be put into improving other courthouses.

But the proposals met with strong opposition in both areas, from magistrates and community leaders who were concerned that people would face long and difficulty journeys to other courts.

Courts committee deputy chief executive Royston Dent said: "The committee took into account all the views and also the Government's Rural White Paper.

"The committee is also looking to close either Durham or Chester-le-Street courts but it hasn't decided which one it will be. A decision will be taken at a later date as to which one of those courts could be declared surplus to requirements.

"Durham and Chester-le-Street are not that far apart and there are good roads and transport links.

"The recommendations are subject to funding from the Lord Chancellor's Department."

Mr Dent said the new closure proposal would "allow us to provide improved facilities rather than trying to run all types of court at every location, which bearing in mind the age and size of the buildings is inappropriate.

"The public would notice an upgrade and improvement in the service we provide."

The committee has also shelved the idea of building a super-court serving the whole of the county.

Wear Valley District Council leader Olive Brown, a former magistrate, said: "I welcome the decision and I pay tribute to the committee for having made it.

"It would be such a long way to travel to Darlington or Newton Aycliffe or wherever and the district has one of the lowest levels of car ownership in the country.

"Closing the court at Bishop Auckland would be horrendous for people in Teesdale. It is bad enough for them to get to Bishop Auckland."