A LEGAL chief has called for an investigation into flaws at Kidderminster's groundbreaking multi-million pound "supercourt".

The magistrates court at Comberton Place, which opened last year, is in the dock after being slammed in a report.

Hereford and Worcester Magistrates Courts Committee chief executive Nick Jones highlighted security problems and has questioned its value for money.

The report said the first privately-financed court in the country had failed in several areas.

Mr Jones said the National Audit Office should analyse the public sector comparator - how much the project would have cost using public funding.

He said: "It is recommended it analyses the services which have actually been provided, together with their cost and then come to a view as to whether the project represents value for money.

"I think it is very questionable whether we do have value for money that we are meant to have in the Private Finance Initiative."

He also recommended future PFI projects should not proceed until an independent body was satisfied there was sufficient staff to manage them efficiently and effectively.

The court got off to a bad start. It was not completed on time and files lay unpacked for several weeks resulting in substantial delays for cases.

Other problems highlighted include:

Security: None of the courts have secure docks. Courtrooms have been equipped with waist-high docks rather than the specified screens which stretch to the ceiling.

Witness care: Witness rooms are often left unused because victim support volunteers deem them unsuitable.

Vulnerable witnesses are expected to wait in a small ante-room without air-conditioning. They keep the door open because it is stuffy leaving them prey to defendants and their "friends".

Telephone service: Under-par. Mr Jones expressed concern at the number and nature of complaints about service.

Facilities: Magistrates feel facilities are not adequate for three courtrooms.

They have requested the mothballed fourth courtroom should not be used as a court because of lack of facilities for judiciary.

The court opened last October after a 15-year battle to improve facilities formerly sited at a converted carpet maker's showroom in Worcester Street.

It was part of a £25 million scheme to improve court facilities in the county.

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor warned the scheme would not be value for money before it opened last year.

He said: "I fully support the need for an investigation by the National Audit Office.

"I will be meeting Nick Jones tomorrow to support his request.

"It shows once again the folly of the Private Finance Initiative."