STROUD'S former Magistrates' Court building has been acquired by the county's police and crime commissioner (PCC) after its cost-cutting closure last year.

Contracts have been exchanged with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the transaction has now been finalised.

The acquisition is in line with PCC Martin Surl's aim to modernise the police force and ensure its buildings meet the needs of the constabulary and its workforce.

He said: "I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this deal.

"Stroud Magistrates’ Court is a landmark building, and as it is joined to the police station, it should be a smooth transition.

"From my first day in office, I set out my commitment to evaluate all the constabulary’s buildings to ensure officers and staff had the best working environment possible and the police estate, as it’s sometimes referred to, would be value for money.

“I wish Stroud Magistrates Court was still in use but having the chance to acquire it on favourable terms represents a good deal both for the police and the public.

"We have some ideas about how we will use the building and in coming months we will be asking a number of people for their views.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues in the OPCC and the constabulary for their support, and to Harrison Clark Rickerbys for their professionalism throughout the process”.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys in Cheltenham led the deal, their head of property finance Mark Carter said: “We have worked with the PCC for some time now, and I am delighted that we could support them in this latest step, which will at least keep the court building within the justice system.”

This acquisition follows the recent sale of the former headquarters site in Lansdown Road, Cheltenham in an aim to further improve the force's facilities.

The proceeds from that investment are being reinvested in neighbourhood policing.

After a consultation was launched in July, the Lord Chancellor decided Stroud Magistrates' Court would close as it is 'underused.'

MP Neil Carmichael, Stroud Town Council and several magistrates objected to the plans to close the court.

The court's operating costs were £133,000 in 2014/15.