Three courts remained closed today following severe flooding over the Christmas and new year period.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed that Carlisle Magistrates’ Court, York Magistrates’ Court and Kendal Courthouse are all shut.

Carlisle cases will be heard at Carlisle Combined Court, while York cases will be moved to a number of venues including York Crown and County Courts and Harrogate Justice Centre.

Parties are being contacted today with information about alternative arrangements.

The MoJ has not given any information on when the affected courts are expected to open again.

Torrential rainfall following storms Eva and Frank in the last two weeks has caused flooding in large parts of Yorkshire and the north-west of England.

York Magistrates’ Court is situated close to the river Ouse, which burst its banks in the days after Christmas.

Carlisle Magistrates’ Court has been affected by floods from the river Eden, while the court in Kendal is situated close to the river Kent, which burst its banks early in December. Both Cumbrian courts were also closed last month.

The Kendal facility has been earmarked for closure as part of the government’s courts estate reform programme.