SKIPTON Magistrates and County Court has escaped a proposed culling of "underused and poor quality" courts.

Four years after the Skipton combined court was saved from proposed closure, its immediate future is again secure - at least until any fresh round of closures.

Skipton MP Julian Smith said it was excellent news for Craven.

"I am delighted that the work that all those who have responsibility for, work in and support the Skipton Magistrates Court has paid off and that Skipton is not part of the review of potential court closures announced.

"Many people have worked hard to ensure that the Skipton court is well used and I pay tribute to everyone who has continued the fight to prove that there is a continued need for a court in Skipton."

Mr Smith, who in 2011 spearheaded the campaign to keep the court open and maintain local justice, plans to visit the court at the end of the month.

"I have spoken to Ministers again and I will continue to do everything that I can to ensure that this positive news continues for as long as possible."

The government announced last week the proposed closure of 57 magistrates courts, 19 county courts, two crown courts, four tribunal centres and nine combined courts.

In the North East, they include Halifax, Wakefield and Scunthorpe. It is also proposed to move Harrogate County Court into the magistrates court building.

A 12-week consultation will now take place until October 8.

Courts and Tribunals Minister, Shailesh Vara, said: "We are reforming the courts and tribunal service so that it meets the needs of modern day users.

"Access to justice is not just about attending court. As we bring in digital technology for better and more efficient access to justice, fewer people will need to physically be in court.

"This means we will need fewer buildings, and with many underused and in poor quality, now is a good time to review the estate."