GRAYS Magistrate Court could close, the Government has announced.

Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke announced plans to close 157 magistrates' and county courts across England and Wales today to try and save £15.3m a year and a maintenance backlog bill of £21.5 million.

He said he wants to examine whether new technology can be used to help people resolve disputes in a more flexible, faster and effective way.

In a written ministerial statement, Mr Clarke said the Government will keep courts open in the "most strategically important locations".

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

"At the same time we should also take the opportunity to think afresh about how we can provide more modern court services.

"The arrangements we currently have are historical and now need to be re-assessed to ask if they meet the needs of society as it is today.

"We increasingly use the internet and email to communicate and access services and we travel further to work, for leisure and to do our weekly shop.

"Providing access to justice does not necessarily mean providing a courthouse in every town or city.”

The closures will also lead to the merger of criminal justice regions, meaning magistrates can work at a wider number of courts.

Oliver Garish, Thurrock Council cabinet member for central services, said: “While we understand there is a real requirement to get to grips with the deficit we do feel access to justice at a local level is important and we hope the Government thinks long and hard before making this decision.”