UNCERTAINTY surrounded the future of two of York's landmark buildings today after fresh calls for a new courthouse for the city.

Government officers have asked justice chiefs to investigate the need for a new home for the city's courts as a matter of urgency.

They believe a move into a new building, possibly paid for with private finance initiative cash (PFI), could improve performance.

The comments came only weeks after York Crown Court reopened, following three months' refurbishment as a result of a devastating arson attack in January.

It will give extra impetus to plans to build a new courthouse that will meet the needs of the modern criminal justice system for defendants, victims and members of the legal profession. But it left a question mark hanging over the future of the Grade I Listed Georgian Crown Court, near Clifford's Tower. The magistrates' court, based in nearby Tower Street, could also become free for a new use. Neighbouring buildings house a fire station, the York Dungeon and The Gallery nightclub.

The comments came in a report of a joint inspection of the North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Area, carried out last year by a number of groups led by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

The report also highlighted the low level of public confidence in the criminal justice system shown by North Yorkshire residents.

Fewer than half (39 per cent) of people questioned in the year up to September 2004 believed the agency was effective in bringing people to justice.

The report stated: "In York, both the crown court and magistrates' courts are old buildings, which are no longer fit for the purpose.

"They do not have sufficient accommodation for the workload and have limited access and facilities for people with disabilities. Waiting areas are inadequate.

"Plans to build a new courthouse in York have been under discussion for many years and the new Her Majesty's Court Service management is developing plans for a PFI bid for a new court centre in York."

Robert Turnbull, chairman of the Local Criminal Justice Board, welcomed some of the report's comments that recognised good working relationships between agencies.

He said: "The report also highlights the fact that public confidence in the criminal justice system in North Yorkshire is lower than the national average. This issue needs to be addressed and we will take forward the report's recommendations and suggestions."

Updated: 10:12 Wednesday, June 01, 2005