The justice minister Jonathan Djanogly announced today that 93 magistrates’ courts and 49 county courts will be closed as part of the government’s drive to improve the justice system.

The government says the move will save an estimated £41.5m, alongside a possible £35.8m raised from the sale of assets, £22m of which will be reinvested to improve and modernise the courts in Camberwell Green, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Prestatyn.

The announcement follows a public consultation on proposals to close 103 magistrates’ courts and 49 county courts.

HM Courts Service currently operates in 530 courts, many of which the government contends do not meet the needs of modern communities.

Djanogly said: ‘Access to justice is not just about access to buildings. It’s about the type of justice delivered, decent facilities for victims and witnesses, and efficient use of the system.

‘Our court estate has simply not kept pace with the changing nature of our society or with the demands modern society places on our justice system. An estate of over 500 court buildings is not now necessary or sustainable, nor is it a reasonable expense for the taxpayer.'

He said the worst courts were being closed down to enable the limited resources to be focused on the best ones.

‘We have listened to the significant points made by respondents to the consultation,' said Djanogly. 'As a result we have decided not to close 15 courts which were included in the consultation.'

‘There will be longer journeys for some to their closest court, but we should not operate courts just to shave minutes off a journey that many will never need to make.’

Plans to build a new magistrates’ court in Liverpool have been cancelled as the project has become unaffordable in the current financial climate, but Djanogly said other options were being explored to address provision in the city.

Director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer QC said: ‘The CPS supports the rationalisation of the courts estate as a part of a wider strategy to promote greater efficiency across the whole criminal justice system.

‘We believe a smaller number of magistrates' court centres will bring greater efficiencies and make savings.

‘Limited resources mean that difficult decisions have to be made. We feel the right proposals have been made, ensuring facilities of the highest quality are available in a reduced number of fully utilised court centres. The plan offers the opportunity to deliver public services of the highest quality and, at the same time, promotes value for money,’ said Starmer.

In the case of each court closure, a full implementation plan will be produced to ensure the smooth transfer of court business the Ministry of Justice.