Abergavenny and Caerphilly magistrates' courts to close

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Abergavenny and Caerphilly magistrates' courtsImage source, Jaggery/Geograph
Image caption,

Abergavenny magistrates' court, left, was refurbished in 2010

Two magistrates' courts in south Wales are to close in a cost-cutting drive, despite one of them having a £500,000 revamp five years ago.

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".

The closures will save an annual £80,000 in running costs and £1.4m on maintenance.