Richmond Magistrates' Court could be closed as the Ministry of Justice plans to shake up family courts in order to reduce costs.

The court, in Parkshot, is one of many earmarked for "closure and integration" as Secretary of State for Justice Michael Gove told Parliament on June 23 that in order to reduce costs "a significant number of additional courts will have to close".

Shailesh Vara, parliamentary under-secretary of state for courts and legal aid, said as digital technology was brought into the courts for more efficient access to justice, fewer people would physically need to be in court.

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

The consultation process began on July 16 and will conclude on October 8.