THE final sentence was being passed at a Ryedale court which is being closed as part of a controversial cost-cutting move.

Campaigners fighting to save Malton Court had an eleventh-hour appeal to the Lord Chancellor thrown out last month.

In a move which will save £20,000 all cases from next week onwards will be heard at Pickering Magistrates' Court.

Magistrates fear Pickering's court could be the next to close - with all cases eventually being heard at Scarborough.

Malton Court is situated in Norton's main street and the town's mayor, Dave Berry, has described the closure as "yet another blow to our civic pride". Over recent months Norton's library and swimming pool have also come under threat of the axe.

In an attempt to soften the blow North Yorkshire County Council, which owns the grade II listed building, is appealing for locals to come up with ideas about an alternative use.

Brian Williams, the county's head of building, design and management, said: "We want to move quickly because buildings deteriorate rapidly when they are not in use.

"The building is listed because it is one of the few Victorian courtrooms still in existence.

"We are looking for ideas from locals on using it as some sort of community facility. We are very willing to look at sensible options and see if the council could help run a joint venture with the community. But if nobody comes up with a positive use for the building it will be put on the open market."

Anybody with ideas about what to do with the court building should contact Mr Williams on 01609 780780.

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