A HAMPSHIRE court is to close as part of a major cost-cutting drive by the government.

Fareham Magistrates’ Court – built just 22 years ago but already in poor condition – is one of 86 courts across the UK that will shut in the next two years.

It follows a previous round of closures that included the magistrates’ court at Lyndhurst in the New Forest.

Plans to shut the Fareham building were revealed by the Daily Echo last year, when it emerged that a total of 91 courts were under threat.

Today the government announced that 86 of the proposed closures will go ahead.

HM Courts and Tribunal Service said: ‘The majority of the people living in the areas affected by the court closures will be within an acceptable travelling distance of the court where the work is transferred to.

‘This means that most individuals will still have reasonable journeys to court to attend hearings, including by public transport.’ A consultation launched last summer said Fareham’s court had no staff permanently based at the site.

It added: ‘Fareham Magistrates’ Court was constructed in 1994 and the condition is generally poor.

‘Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court is in significantly better condition and offers improved facilities for court users.

‘Some enabling works would be required in Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court to ensure facilities are suitable for youth court hearings.’