The Building in the Twentieth Century

The interior of the building has seen many alterations over the ensuing years. The constabulary has since moved to its own premises nearby but during the Second World War, all furniture was stripped from the Sessions Room so that it could be used as an operations room by the police. The court removed to the offices of the Rural District Council further down Derby Street. During the 1950s and 1960s the magistrates&127 court experienced a dramatic increase in its workload with domestic, juvenile and motoring matters mounting. Once again, the court removed temporarily to the council's offices so that alterations could take place. A second court room was incorporated and old domestic quarters were converted into office accommodation. Both developments were undertaken in the mid-1960s. In the early 1970s a new office block was added as an extension to the rear of the building. This was vacated in 1998 due to rationalisation. Towards the close of the 1970s Court Number 4 was erected on stilts on part of the site of the Superintendent's yard.

The present magistrates' court in Ormskirk was classified as a Grade II Listed Building in August 1972. This means that it is a building of special interest, which warrants every effort being made to preserve it. The building is in good company because its two neighbours to the west and even the telephone kiosk opposite, are also listed.

References

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