St Albans County Court will be closed next year, it has been confirmed today.

Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service said the building in Clarendon Road is one of 86 courts and tribunals which will close across the country in a bid to save £500 million.

The decision to close the town's court followed a consultation, which was launched in July last year.

Justice Minister Shailesh Vara said today: “Our courts and tribunal system is in need of urgent reform.

“Maintaining our underused and dilapidated court buildings costs the taxpayer £500 million a year but some courts sit for less than half the time available.

“This is simply unsustainable. Closing these courts in poor quality buildings will raise £40 million to re-invest in the justice system, and save hard-working taxpayers £27 million per year.

“The decision to close a court is never taken lightly, but in the digital age I am confident we have measures in place to ensure access to justice is not diminished.”

Those set for closure include Bedford and Mid Beds Magistrates and Family Court, Bedford County and Family Court, Watford Magistrates and Family Court