They discussed a number of options and ideas to help the situation to ease the  pressures around court buildings and staffing to reduce delays and speed up justice.

Mr Pratt, who is also Chair of the Lancashire Criminal Justice Board, said: “I really welcome the opportunity to bring local issues to the attention of the Ministry of Justice and this meeting was a chance to do just that.

“Delays in the criminal justice system are a real concern and have a huge impact on victims, witnesses and their families. They also impact the work of support services like Lancashire Victim Services who work closely with victims and support them through the court process.

“I am pleased that the Government is open to listening to suggestions and I welcome the commitment to building a new, state of art court in Blackpool which would combine the existing magistrates’, civil and family courts into one building.

“Mr Freer has accepted my invitation to visit Lancashire so I look forward to welcoming him to the county to explore how we can continue to work together to reduce court delays and ensure that victims of crime can receive justice more quickly.”