PLANS to save money by closing Accrington's two courts have been revealed.

Cases would instead be sent to Burnley and Blackburn, the government outlined earlier this afternoon.

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A consultation has now been launched on proposals to shut 91 courts and tribunals in England and Wales, while a further 31 are to be 'integrated'.

Accrington County Court, in Oak Street, is in a 'poor state of repair', only sits an average of two days per month, and costs £123,000 a year to run, government documents reveal.

Accrington Magistrates' Court, in Manchester Road, was also described as being in a 'poor condition', only sits one day a week, and costs £80,000 a year to run.

Courts Minister Shailesh Vara said: "We are reforming the courts and tribunal service so that it meets the needs of modern day users.

"As we bring in digital technology for better and more efficient access to justice, fewer people will need to physically be in a court.

"This means that we will need fewer buildings, and with many already underused and in poor quality, now is a good time to review the estate."

The consultation will run until October 8.

See tomorrow's Lancashire Telegraph for the full story.