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<p>HMCTS has put in place temporary arrangements for hearings to take place at Preston
and other locations in Lancashire, until the new state-of-the-art courthouse in Blackpool
opens in 2026.</p><p>These arrangements will enable us to continue to offer effective
access to justice, with the overwhelming majority of users being able to travel to
Preston and other locations in Lancashire in accordance with our established definition
of a reasonable journey. This includes being able to leave at 07:30 to attend court
on time, using public transport if necessary.</p><p>Should court users anticipate
difficulty in travelling to a site within these parameters they are advised to contact
their legal representatives or the court at the earliest opportunity, so that the
need for alternative arrangements can be considered. This will be assessed on a case-by-case
basis and can include varying the start or end times of hearings, subject to judicial
approval.</p>
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