The magistrates' court in Basildon is set for a £300,000 refurbishment to introduce pioneering new facilities.
Up to date - Basildon Court is to undergo a £300,000 refurbishment, with new facilities to lessen stress for families Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
Work will begin at the courthouse in the summer to install a self-contained family suite and other improvements.
The facilities will be among the first of their kind in England and Wales. They will offer under-pressure families a dedicated room to help cope with the stresses of a court appearance.
The development has been planned by the Essex Magistrates' Courts Committee using funding from the Department for Constitutional Affairs.
Essex MCC chairman Celia Edey said: "The project will mean substantial improvements to services for those involved in proceedings at the family court, which also serves Thurrock and Brentwood.
"People frequently experience great emotional distress in these circumstances and it is a priority for my committee to provide the right environment for them at the courthouse."
The MCC also announced a redevelopment at the Grays courthouse to introduce a self-contained witness suite costing £100,000.
Published Wednesday January 28, 2004
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