A magistrates court in the county will close for at least 12 weeks so a new heating and air-con system can be installed in the building.

Margate Magistrates’ Court will shut in February so the maintenance work can be carried out.

The closure of the court in Cecil Square will mean defendants from the area due in the dock will have to travel further afield as cases usually heard are either being moved to other courthouses.

Defendants will have to travel to either Folkestone or Maidstone Magistrates’ Courts and some will be allowed to appear via video link to minimise any disruption.

A spokesman for His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service added: “Margate Magistrates’ Court will close for 12 weeks from February 2024 for essential maintenance works.

“All listed hearings have been moved to other nearby venues or will be heard remotely to minimise disruption.”

The HMCTS spokesman also said no hearing sessions will lost as a result of this temporary closure.