ABERGAVENNY is set for a new courthouse - but Torfaen could lose a court under major plans.

The changes to the judicial system in England and Wales are being drawn up by court authorities as part of the government's 'Justice for All' report which has called for improvements.

The report sets out magistrate, crown and civil courts being amalgamated, with state-of-the-art courts hearing all cases.

The changes in Gwent could cost up £35 million pounds if plans are approved and include a new, upgraded court in Abergavenny and the closure of one of Torfaen's two court houses - possibly Cwmbran Magistrates which was previously scheduled to close in 2006.

The Pontypool county court would remain. Gwent House in Newport's John Frost Square would act as the Gwent Magistrates' Court Committee's headquarters and could eventually employ up to 170 people at the offices. The first phase of the operation has already happened with 110 employees working at Gwent House for the committee.

The committee has drawn up the plans alongside its Dyfed Powys colleagues - who are planning similar changes.

Martin Speller, Justices' Chief Executive, is heading the committee's bid for funding. With Gwent Consultancy the committee has drafted an in-depth and extensive document outlining its blueprint for a more accessible and efficient justice service in Gwent. Mr Speller said: "The plans are currently at the consultancy stage which should be completed by next February.

"They will be heard by the London Project Review Board who will have the final say. "If we get the money then I think we would see the results by 2006. "For the first time in England and Wales Gwent and Dyfed Powys will have a purpose-built single courts estate specifically designed to deliver justice in the 21st century and beyond."

Currently 77 per cent of Gwent's 20 court rooms are in need of modernisation and in short they do not live up to the expectations of the Gwent Magistrates' Court Committee. Abergavenny Magistrates, which are currently being refurbished because of asbestos, only house two court rooms which is not enough under current proposals.

The new court, which would remain at Tudor Road, will house three courts, speeding up the process of justice and making it much more accessible to the community. The plans also ensure that a court is within one hour's travelling distance on public transport to members of the public.

If authorised, work should begin on the new court in Abergavenny by 2004.