Ideas wanted for court building

Ideas about how a prominent building in Ely in Cambridgeshire could be used are being considered by the local council. Ely Magistrates' Court was closed last year as part of Government cuts.

But people in the cathedral city are keen it doesn't stand unused for too much longer.

Last week East Cambridgeshire District Council held a meeting, to which more than 40 people turned up.

They started with a tour of the building and then spent some time brainstorming ideas. Some of the thoughts that were mentioned were a reading room, a civic cafe, an art gallery and museum activities.

The site is owned by the Ministry of Justice, and it's not clear how the final idea will be funded.

"The building belongs to HMCTS. We are working closely with East Cambridgeshire District Council and other interested parties to achieve the best future for this heritage asset. Discussions are ongoing."

The local council is keen to hear from anyone with an interesting idea on how the building - which is nearly 200 years old - might be used in the future.