IMPROVEMENTS are to be made to an east Cleveland magistrates' court to increase the range of cases it can handle.

Cleveland Magistrates' Courts Committee, which has responsibility for all magistrates' courts in what was Cleveland county, said work would soon start at Guisborough Magistrates' Court to build cells and a disabled access ramp.

Since the neighbouring police station was closed two years ago, cases involving prisoners have had to be heard at Teesside Magistrates' Court, which is more than ten miles away and is one of the ten busiest courthouses in the country.

It has also meant that defendants handed down custodial sentences by the Guisborough court have had to wait for police escorts to arrive from Redcar.

But the improvements mean that the future of local justice in east Cleveland has been secured, said Colin Monson, chief executive of the Cleveland Magistrates' Courts Service.

"After seeking funds for more than two years, we are delighted that the Lord Chancellor's Department has given the green light for this essential work to go ahead. Magistrates at Guisborough will again be able to dispense local justice for all local people.

"The improvements to the courthouse are confirmation of the magistrates' courts committee's commitment to the people of east Cleveland. We are grateful to all those who have joined us in pressing for the necessary funds.

"This success, which follows concerted efforts by magistrates, demonstrates the value of locally-based administration by people who understand the needs of the community."

Jim Donaldson, chairman of the Langbaurgh East bench of magistrates, said: "I am delighted that the future of the courthouse at Guisborough has been secured. It means that the delivery of local justice to the people of east Langbaurgh continues to be in the hands of local people, and long may it continue to be.

* Applications from people wishing to become magistrates are always welcome for Guisborough, Teesside or Hartlepool magistrates' courts. Call Gill Anderson on (01642) 261612 or write to her at Teesside Magistrates' Courts, Victoria Square, Middlesbrough, TS1 2AS.