The historic courthouse in Arundel is set to close at the end of the year.

The decision has been made by the Sussex Shadow Magistrates Court Committee, despite opposition.

The proposal to shut the court was made after consultation and the plans will now go to the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, for official approval.

The closure will mean people living in the Arun district who are facing criminal charges will have to travel to Worthing or Chichester.

The committee said the decision was made with regret but claimed the proposal did not attract significant opposition to prevent it.

Victoria Wallace, the justices' chief executive, said the major objective was to offer better services to court users by improving facilities and reducing delay.

She said: "The decision was made with considerable sadness as it is a lovely building. But it is simply too small to be able to accommodate facilities for victims or witnesses or to allow full disabled access.

"Contrary to some reports, Horsham and Lewes courthouses will not be closed and it is unlikely the committee will revisit these issues for at least three years.

"The changes will not mean defendants having to travel further. Most will continue to use the courthouses nearest to them. But an earlier hearing at a neighbouring courthouse will enable defendants earlier access to justice."

During consultation the committee reported 73 per cent of court users at Arundel did not object to travelling to another nearby court.

The committee also said local magistrates sitting at the court and West Sussex County Council agreed the courthouse did not provide modern facilities.

The closure is part of a new strategic plan for courts across Sussex. The changes include merging the West and East Sussex magistrates courts committees and reducing the number of petty sessional areas from ten to four.

Ian Sumnall, chief executive of Arun District Council, said: "We reluctantly accepted Arundel court does not meet required standards of security and disabled access.

"We asked the magistrates committee to look at alternatives. I am unhappy the committee has not done this and the council will be taking it up further."