COURT officials have confirmed plans to build a multi-million pound court in the region.

County Durham Magistrates Court Committee (MCC) has issued a discussion document and is considering approaching private companies to build the complex.

The news comes on the heels of plans to close both Consett and Bishop Auckland magistrates courts.

Royston Dent, the MCC's deputy chief executive, cited Darlington, Durham, Peterlee and Consett as potential sites for the centre, but stressed the issue was merely "mooted for discussion" at this stage.

He said: "It is only a discussion document, but one we are taking seriously. It could be a new courthouse and administration centre, or just a court or just an administration centre.

"We don't have a cost estimate yet but it would certainly be in the millions, and not just one or two. It would need both public and private finance.

"We will evaluate the response to the document and then meet to discuss the matter ourselves in the summer."

Mr Dent said that, at present, County Durham's MCC operates from seven local courts in the county, unlike other areas, like Cleveland, which has one main centre.

He said a new centre could possibly reduce waiting times for cases - but added that other areas coped well with dissipated systems, such as Durham's.

As well as the proposed building, the MCC has also contacted police and Crown Prosecution Service, local authorities and other groups to discuss closing Consett court, which it is estimated would cost £115,984 to run over the next five years, and Bishop Auckland, estimated to cost £70,517.

The proposals have been strongly rejected by local magistrates and politicians.

The closing date for members of the public to react to the discussion document is tomorrow. Any comments should be sent to County Durham MCC, PO Box 168, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3FE.