Skipton'S county Court will be merged into the magistrates' court building in April as part of a major shake-up of services.

Currently criminal and civil law proceedings are carried out in two separate courthouses, both on Otley Street, but it is felt neither is operating at full capacity.

The county court building, which was constructed in 1847 and has the arms of Queen Victoria above the door, will be put on the market in January.

Frank Taylor, from Court Services, said there had been a great deal of co-operation between staff at both courts and he thought the transition would be smooth.

"It makes sense to have both courts in the same building," said Mr Taylor.

The decision to share a single courthouse followed national discussions to make best use of courts and also a local buildings review in 2001/2002 by North Yorkshire Magistrates' Courts Committee.

During the consultation, Paul Bradley, Justices' Chief Executive, said: "Both courts are underused. It seems to us that there is the possibility that we could explore sharing premises."

The review concluded that despite there being a strong case for closing Skipton Magistrates' Court altogether and moving the work to Harrogate, the court should remain open and merge with the county court to cut costs.

Local solicitors such as John Mewies pointed out that access for defendants to Harrogate was poor with no direct rail links, and clients from villages like Ingleton and Bentham would face a 100 mile round trip to any Harrogate court.

Approval has now been given by the Lord Chancellor's Department for building work on the magistrates' court to be carried out in the New Year to enable the county court and its staff to be accommodated.

The building work will also improve the facilities for disabled court users, and provide an interview room in the cell area. It is expected that the work will begin in January and will be completed by the end of March.

So far as possible courts will be held as normal during this period. Following the building work the county court building will close.

Mr Bradley said: "The Magistrates' Courts Committee has decided quite clearly that it wishes to retain a local magistrates' court in Skipton. Sharing our premises with the county court will enable us to make better use of the building, save money and also improve facilities for the benefit of everyone who uses the court.

"We wish to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption which may occur whilst the building work is being carried out. However, we believe that this project will bring long term benefits for the administration of justice in Skipton."

The review of courts' services has also resulted in the closure of courthouses at Richmond, Pickering, and Whitby and the closure of the court office at Selby and the eventual closure of the office at Easingwold. A new court and office will be provided at York/Selby and a new or refurbished court will be provided at Scarborough.

The Courts Committee decided on November 27 that, for the foreseeable future, the Skipton court office should also remain open and not run from a central base in Harrogate.

However, from January the payment of fines, fees, costs and compensation over the counter at the Skipton court will not be available.

The ability to pay over the counter has been withdrawn at six offices but a network of other places to pay has been set up.

From January the payments can be made by post to the Central Finance Unit, via debit or credit cards or standing order, by bank giro credit at the HSBC or at any post office, Paypoint or Payzone by instalments under the new Allpay method. More information can be obtained from the court.

The court office at Skipton will remain open for all other inquiries.