RICHMOND magistrates' court is one of four in North Yorkshire expected to close following a review of the service across the county.

The courthouse, along with those in Pickering, Whitby and Selby, is listed for eventual closure in consultation papers issued last Friday. Court offices at Easingwold, Skipton and Selby are also to shut.

Under the proposals, courts at Northallerton, Harrogate, York, Scarborough and Skipton would remain open and a new courthouse would be built for the York and Selby areas.

Local outlets such as banks and post offices would be available for payment of fines.

The magistrates' court committee is expected to make final decisions in late January or February.

Mr Paul Bradley, justices' chief executive, said: "We need to plan so that we can invest in those courthouses which have a long-term future. It is vital that we provide good facilities so that everyone can carry out business in adequate comfort, privacy and safety as well as having a system which helps reduce delay.

"These proposals aim to strike the right balance between organisational efficiency and the need to provide a service throughout this large county. We believe that, overall, these plans will improve the service which we and other criminal justice agencies can deliver, but we want to consult widely before decisions are taken."

Copies of the consultation paper are available from the Courthouse, Church Hill, Easingwold, York YO61 3JX, and responses are needed by January 11.