DROITWICH Magistrates Court could be shut as early as next year if closure plans are given the go-ahead next month.

The proposal, put forward by the West Mercia Magistrates Courts Service, will reach its final stages on Monday, October 21, when the magistrates courts committee will consider the scheme.

The local authorities have been consulted about the plan, including Worcestershire County Council's cabinet committee, which voted seven to two at a meeting on Monday to allow the closure.

It is thought that the magistrates court service wishes to close the Spa facility because it is currently being used as an overspill court for the Bromsgrove and Redditch bench while the Redditch courthouse is being refurbished.

The majority of Spa cases are currently dealt with at the new courthouse in Worcester and it is proposed that Droitwich Spa's court, based in Ombersley Street East, should close once Redditch's court is opened, which is thought to be early next year.

It is unclear what will happen to the building, which is owned by Worcestershire County Council.

There have been various suggestions put forward by different organisations and authorities.

When Droitwich Spa Town Council were consulted they suggested using the building to house a health centre. Other suggestions include using the building for the police's camera safety partnership or it being the base for a multi-agency one stop shop.

Local authorities look set to be consulted on the building's future, if the closure plans are given the green light and no appeal is lodged.