THE Vale of Glamorgan Magistrates' Court will not close, it has been confirmed.

Uncertainty reigned at the courthouse over the last 12 months after Alan Davies, area director for Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS), announced the Barry-based facility might close.

However, a spokeswoman for HMCS confirmed on Monday that there are no plans for any such action.

The spokeswoman, Rachel Clark, explained that the review of South Wales courts, which triggered the suspicion that the court was to shut, will not progress any further.

She said: "The review of courts within south Wales was an internal exercise. HMCS will continue to look at how it can make efficient and effective use of all its courts.

"Any future proposals would be fully consulted within the local community before any final decisions were made by the Lord Chancellor."

Peter Emery, the chairman of the Vale of Glamorgan bench of magistrates, expressed his delight at the announcement.

"I was relieved when I heard the news," he said. "This is very positive New Year's news for the people of the Vale of Glamorgan. The magistrates always argued that our community would suffer a huge disadvantage if the threat of closure were to become a reality."

"The court staff can now plan their lives in the knowledge that their jobs are safeguarded."

A campaign to keep the court open, which was headed by Mr Emery and Vale AM Jane Hutt and John Smith MP, resulted in a 1,000-name petition and supportive posters being pinned up in local businesses.

Mr Emery said he was grateful for the "support and determination" from the court staff, local people and Mr Smith and Mrs Hutt.

"The support of our local politicians has been a continuing factor in persuading the Lord Chancellor that it is in no one's interest to close on of the best performing courthouses," he added.

Mr Smith said: "This is good news for the Vale of Glamorgan.