A NEWLY-closed Ryedale courthouse could be on a downward slope to becoming a public eyesore, a councillor warned today.

Norton Court is being closed as part of a controversial cost-cutting move and the final sentence was passed there last Thursday.

However, the deputy mayor of Norton, Councillor Margaret Taylor, claims that unless an alternative use is found soon, the grade II listed building will deteriorate rapidly.

She said: "This has been a concern of mine ever since plans to close the building were announced. It's a lovely Victorian building, but unless someone takes it on board, I'm afraid it will become redundant."

Coun Taylor added that the courthouse will become an unpleasant eyesore that will be seen by people as soon as they drive into Norton's main street.

"I can see no advantage whatsoever in closing a building which served a good cause. It's now left doing absolutely nothing," said Coun Taylor.

Campaigners fighting to save the court - owned by North Yorkshire County Council - had an eleventh-hour appeal to the Lord Chancellor thrown out last month.

In a move which will save £20,000, all cases will now be heard at Pickering Magistrates' Court.

An appeal by the council for local residents to come up with ideas about an alternative use for the building has so far fallen on deaf ears. Brian Williams, the county's head of building, design and management, said he was not surprised no one had contacted them.

"It's a very difficult situation because the building is listed and this will undoubtedly affect what it can be turned into," said Mr Williams.

He added that the council were willing to look at sensible options and see if they could help run a joint venture with the community.

"Eight years ago we looked at the possibility of turning it into offices. This may be an option if the need is still there."

Anybody with ideas about what to do with the court building should contact Mr Williams on 01609 780780.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.