New entrance planned for Telford Magistrates Court

The move comes as the court gears up to take on the work of the neighbouring county court.

The proposals have been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council by the Ministry of Justice which says the work is needed to cope with the extra numbers using the building, as well as improving disabled access.

A design and access statement for the court in Telford Square, Hall Park Way, said: "We are intending to remove the existing entrance door system and screens and replace with new entrance screen and automatic opening doorset operated by proximity sensors to give better access for all people regardless of disabilities to gain access to the existing building."

The application will be decided by planning officers through delegated powers early next year.

The criminal court, which is currently the only one which deals with cases in the county, could also see all administration and background work moved to the West Midlands.

Telford County and Family Court will close its doors next year, HM Courts and Tribunal Service has confirmed.

Officials said the plans are part of a wider scheme of reorganisation which will allow court services to work out of fewer locations with little impact on services. There is no news yet on any plans for the building, or whether it will have any impact on staff working in the court.

It comes after Shrewsbury lost its magistrates' court in March. It was one of 65 courts across England and Wales closed by the Ministry of Justice.

This meant that people are now required to travel from the whole county north of Oswestry and from the south Shropshire border to Telford for hearings. Earlier this year, the Shropshire branch of the Magistrates' Association objected to the closure on the basis that it would restrict access to justice by making it difficult or impossible for some people to get to Telford by 9.30am.

In its response a statement from the Ministry of Justice said it accepted that some people would face increased travel times, but that people could make individual applications to have their cases heard at different times.