THE Ministry of Justice has denied the crown court in Warrington is set to close for several weeks after staff were relocated to a court house around 23 miles away.

A source has told the Warrington Guardian how some court workers were informed they would be working from Chester Crown Court until April.

This coincides with the recent closure of Halton and Warrington magistrates' courts with cases relocated to the court house on Legh Street in Warrington town centre.

According to a spokesman for HM Courts and Tribunal Service, there continues to be a dedicated room for crown court cases in Warrington but 'its use depends on demand and workload'.

It is understood the other court rooms, previously used for crown court cases, now house magistrates' cases.

While there have been no crown court cases held at Warrington so far this week, there are cases listed to be held in the town in February.  

A spokesman added: "We have a world-leading legal system and are investing over £1 billion to reform and digitise our courts to deliver swifter justice. 

“Closing underused and dilapidated court buildings will allow us to reinvest in the justice system and make the best use of technology. 

"This will improve access to justice and improve the experience for all court users, in particular vulnerable victims and witnesses."

The changes were introduced as part of a major shake-up of the criminal justice system in Cheshire and Merseyside with more criminal cases to be transferred to Liverpool.

Crown court cases from Widnes and north Warrington have been sent to Liverpool Crown Court since September.

This is on top of changes to tribunal hearings with those currently heard in Halton or Warrington magistrates’ courts to be moved to St Helens County Court.

It has been reported how the closure of certain court across the country will raise £40 million to re-invest in the justice system while saving taxpayers £27 million per year.