BARNSLEY will keep a county court after the government changed its mind about closing it.
Plans to close the court and move the service to Sheffield were announced in the summer but Barnsley MPs, councillors, citizens' groups and solicitors came together to oppose the idea.
The county court is one of a handful nationally, earmarked for closure, that have been saved. It will move from Regent Street to Barnsley Magistrates' Court.
Pat Heath, chief executive of Barnsley Citizens' Advice Bureau, said it was good news.
"Robust arguments were made about the benefits of keeping a local county court service and the announcement that the service is to remain in the town, is some good news in the midst of much gloom about the future of many public services."
Barnsley Central MP Eric Illsley echoed her views. He said: "I am pleased the government has accepted the arguments put forward that Barnsley needs a county court and that this can be accommodated by merging it into the local magistrates’ court.
"This ensures the best use of the court buildings and means Barnsley people will not have to travel to Sheffield for court business."
