CRIMINAL court cases involving Islington people could be moved to Wood Green Crown Court following the government launch of a consultation into the proposed closure of Blackfriars Crown Court.

The Ministry of Justice said Blackfriars, in Pocock Street, was fully used in 2016-17 but was operating at 80 per cent of capacity between April and September last year.

If it closes, the workload from Islington would go to Wood Green Crown Court, with Camden cases moving to Harrow. The MoJ said this could reduce travel times for witnesses.

British Transport Police cases would move to Inner London Crown Court and National Crime Agency cases to Kingston Crown Court.

Sale of the Blackfriars building would provide funding to help reform court and tribunal services in England and Wales, the MoJ said.

To comment during the 10-week consultation, visit consult.justice.gov.uk