PLANS to concentrate courts services across East Lancashire in Blackburn have been officially abandoned.

The scheme, known as the Pennine Courts and Multi Services Hub, aimed at reducing the costs of several buildings spread across the area.

It was part of the government's One Public Estate (OPE) programme to cut costs and increase efficiency managed locally by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

In recent years the magistrates courts at Accrington closed and its counterpart in Reedley has become a Family Court..

Blackburn has a magistrates court and county and family court while Burnley has a magistrates court and Crown Court to deal with more serious offences.

Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) asked the OPE programme to look at rationalising the structure of courts in the East Lancashire area.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's regeneration boss Phil Riley said: "As the Pennine Courts and Multi Services Hub project did not progress as initially envisaged given changes in partner requirements, the funding has been re-allocated within the programme to Preston City Council to undertake a review of the HMCTS estate and facilities within the Preston area."

Ian Richardson, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Director of Growth and Development, said: “The original Pennine Courts and Multi-Services Hub One Public Estate (OPE) business case reflected the council’s aspirations around the development of courts services in Blackburn, which didn’t progress because this wasn’t considered a priority area at that time.

“The HMCTS Estate Strategy for Lancashire has not yet been determined and any proposals for change would be subject to a consultation process prior to any Ministerial decision.”