Keys to Ely’s old magistrates’ court handed over to city council
City of Ely councillors Nigel Clarke and Elaine Griffin-Singh - Credit: Archant
THE keys to Ely’s old magistrates’ court were officially handed over to the City of Ely Council this week.
Ely cathedral - Credit: Archant
After months of negotiation, the Ministry of Justice finally completed the paperwork that allowed the council to take over running the 19th century courthouse, in Lynn Road.
The keys were presented to the mayor of Ely, Councillor Elaine Griffin-Singh, on Monday. She was joined by fellow councillor Nigel Clarke to have a first look around.
The city council has entered a planning application to convert the building into its new offices. A decision on the plans is expected within the next two months.
The council paid a token £1 to purchase the building from the Government, though it is understood thousands of pounds worth of repairs will need to be made.
The Grade II-listed courthouse was closed in 2011 following a round of cuts by the Ministry of Justice, with all cases transferred to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court.
