BLACKBURN'S Magistrates Court is to undergo a £300,000 refurbishment.

Planned improvements to the building in Northgate include new plants, paving and lighting. Parking facilities for shoppers are being improved and a new boundary wall has been built.

Internal renovation is due to be completed by March 31 2004 and has been overseen by Lancashire County Council.

A grant of £240,000 has been made by the Lord Chancellor's Department and Blackburn with Darwen Council is also due to contribute.