ABERGAVENNY'S magistrates court, which was refurbished just five years ago at a cost of £500,000 is to close as part of a cost cutting drive.

Justice Secretary Michael Gove decided to shut the courts at Abergavenny and Caerphilly following a consultation.

In June, Mr Gove described the criminal court system in England and Wales as "creaking and dysfunctional".

Also closing will be the court at Caerphilly - closures will save an annual £80,000 in running costs and £1.4m on maintenance.

Earlier this summer it was revealed that the threat of closure also hangs over Abergavenny's police station.