THE fate of the magistrates court in Evesham looks set to be sealed.

A consultation document is being circulated by the West Mercia Magistrates' Court Service on the proposed closure of Evesham Court.

It follows the completion of the new courthouse in Worcester, which became fully operational in January and is on the basis that the new court can accommodate the workload for all South Worcestershire, providing the necessary facilities and security for all court users.

Since January, Evesham court has been open to take some work from Redditch while Redditch court is being refurbished.

The Evesham court has been earmarked for a giant One-Stop Shop, a proposal which has the support of both Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council, and Nick Jones, justices chief executive for the West Mercia Magistrates' Courts Services, said: "The consultation on the permanent closure of the Evesham courthouse is with view to its closure on November 30 this year."

In the consultation document, Mr Jones says there is no awareness of difficulties in attendance at the new Worcester Court.

He says: "Wychavon, in partnership with the police and supported by the county council, is anxious to progress the One Stop Shop in Evesham.

"Early advancement of this project will enable funding to be obtained for the scheme. As there is a temporary need for court facilities during the refurbishment of Redditch, Wychavon has offered the use of the council chamber for the period between the proposed closure of Evesham and the completion of the Redditch refurbishment."

Copies of the consultation document are available at the Civic Centre, Pershore, and the Wychavon Shop in Market Place, Evesham. Written responses need to be in by 12noon on October 1.