Colchester's magistrates' courts could become a setting for TV dramas like Judge John Deed and Kavanagh QC.
Location-hunters at Government film agency Screen East say the twin courtrooms would prove "very popular" with production companies.
The town hall courts will fall out of use in about five years, when three new purpose-built courthouses in Essex - including one at St Botolph's - are expected to be in place.
But, due to the building's grade one listed status, Colchester Council cannot turn them into offices or meeting rooms.
The dock, public galleries and magistrates' bench must all remain, leaving bosses with a headache over how to make the facility pay for its future upkeep.
Katie Macdonald, of Screen East, said that advertising the courts to programme-makers would provide a perfect solution.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, February 24, 2005
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