ASHFORD'S "underused and inadequate" magistrates' court is one of many facing closure as part of a Government plan to cut costs.

The Ministry of Justice announced a cost-cutting overhaul of the court service last week as the new Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition slashes its departmental budgets.

Ashford Magistrates Court, Tufton Street, Ashford. Picture: Andy Jones

A total of 103 magistrates' courts across England and Wales face being shut down – including Ashford's Tufton Street court.

If the closures get the green light the plans could save £15.3 million a year in operating costs and £21.5 million in maintenance.

It is not yet known how many jobs could be lost if the Ashford building is closed. It is expected that magistrates' courts in Folkestone and Canterbury will take on Ashford cases in the future if Ashford loses its facilities.

Courts minister Jonathan Djanogly said: "Not all disputes need to be resolved in court. I want to explore whether more people can resolve their disputes in a way that leads to faster and more satisfactory solutions.

"Across the civil, family and criminal courts I want to explore ways we can harness technology more effectively so people don't necessarily physically have to attend court when they give evidence or access court services.

"We should not think about access to justice as simply a question of length of the journey to the nearest court. In the future, we need to look at whether through the more effective use of video and telephone links and other technology including online services, we can improve the public's experience of the justice system."

Mr Djanogly added: "When public finances are under pressure, it is vital to eliminate waste and reduce costs.

"We now have the opportunity to think afresh about how we can create a more modern fit-for-purpose justice system in line with the way we live our lives today."

A public consultation will now be held in the coming weeks before Justice Secretary Ken Clarke and Chancellor George Osborne decide whether to implement the changes.

The building, which is connected to neighbouring Ashford Police Station, has two courtrooms, interview rooms and offices for the probation service.

To have your say, visit www.justice.gov.uk/consultations