Bluewater is the perfect place to hold court cases, according to magistrates debating a reshuffle in the justice system.

Fines could be handed out opposite footwear and docks installed next to the deli if plans to move criminal and civil courts to shopping centres are given the seal of approval.

The deputy chairman of the Magistrates' Association, John Fassenfelt, said: "Bluewater is the best example where the idea could work. You would have to have a large shopping centre because they, I hate to say this, generate the crime."

The idea of replacing checkouts with courts is one being considered by magistrates, not least because, they say, it would save money by making use of empty retail units.

Bluewater said it was aware of the idea.

The Magistrates' Association will put all of its suggestions on the future of courts to the Ministry of Justice before the consultation on the closures ends on September 15.

For the full story see this week's Gravesend Messenger.