Plan for new courts scrapped over cost

Plans to build two courtrooms in the Black Country have been shelved due to a funding black hole, it emerged today.

Wolverhampton and West Bromwich were both earmarked for new courts costing tens of millions of pounds.

But it was revealed today that the proposals have been put on hold indefinitely because no money has been made available. Designs were meant to be put forward for the £36 million combined court in Darlington Street, Wolverhampton, this month. It was to house the magistrates and the county court, which handles civil matters.

Planning permission had been granted in 2004 but expires this month.

It has also been more than six months since proposals were put forward to redevelop West Bromwich Magistrates Court in Lombard Street West.

Councillors in West Bromwich were already angry at the delay because plans by Tesco to spend £200 million in the town were taking shape.

Tesco is funding a shopping centre, primary school and police station, with the Government picking up the tab for the rundown court.

Mark Kram, spokesman for Her Majesty’s Court Service, said today: “As a result of the current economic climate, the construction phase of the planned magistrates courts is to be deferred.

“We intend to complete the design process, secure planning permission and carry out low-level works so that we can proceed without further delay once funding is available.”

Wolverhampton North East Labour MP Ken Purchase today said he was disappointed. He was told in a letter by Justice Minister Bridget Prentice that the scheme was being deferred.

He said: “The government says these plans should be brought forward. The whole idea of Gordon Brown’s recovery plan is to bring forward spending.

“I must express real disappointment that these buildings are not going ahead and I shall be writing to the minister.”

Sandwell regeneration chief Councillor Bob Badham said: “Obviously it’s disappointing.”

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