TWO courtrooms in Worcester could soon be fitted with new screens and cameras.

Worcester Combined Court, also known as the Shire Hall, wants to update “ageing” equipment in Courts 1 and 2.

The equipment allows defendants to attend hearings virtually and is used to present digital evidence.

But the court, which hears both crown court and civil cases, says its current setup is “prone to failure”.

EQUIPMENT: Court 1 at Worcester Combined CourtEQUIPMENT: Court 1 at Worcester Combined Court (Image: Firman Consulting)

“Equipment failure disrupts hearings leading to cases being adjourned, increasing the costs to participants (including to the public purse where participants are receiving legal aid) including participants in follow-on cases,” it explains in planning documents submitted to Worcester City Council.

“It impacts the effective use of the court estate and potentially causes distress to victims and witnesses.”

If given planning permission, the upgrades would be carried out as part of a national scheme to upgrade the digital equipment in courtrooms across England and Wales.

COURT TWO: New screens, cameras and speakers are needed, the courts service saysCOURT TWO: New screens, cameras and speakers are needed, the courts service says (Image: Firman Consulting)

“The aim of the Digital Audio-Visual Evolution (DAVE) Project is to update and expand the provision of audio-visual (AV) equipment in hearing rooms across the courts and tribunals estate,” the Ministry of Justice says in a planning statement.

Three 55-inch to 85-inch screens would be installed in each court, as well as two cameras, six new speakers and a number of smaller computer screens.

Plans say there is an effort to mitigate the impact the installation of new equipment will have on the Shire Hall, which is a Grade II* listed building.

“There is no harm to the character or appearance of Worcester Combined Court as the proposed works are internal,” the plans state.

“There will be an impact on the character of the existing interior of the courts, but careful selection of locations and fixings will mitigate the impact.

“The installation is designed to be as efficient as possible allowing the original room interior to be clearly visible at all times.

“The proposed changes are therefore considered to preserve the special interest and integrity of the listed building. It will protect original architectural detailing and historic fabric.”

The Shire Hall was opened in 1835, with court cases being held in Worcester Guildhall prior to that.

The Foregate Street building also hosted county council meetings until the authority moved to County Hall in 1978.