Horsham: New coroner's court will ease inquest stress

A new coroner's court has opened in West Sussex "to ensure the best possible environment is available for those attending an inquest", the county council has said.

Horsham was chosen as the location for the court due to being "well served by public transport" and "reasonably central within the county".

At the official opening, council cabinet member Duncan Crow said the new court would "hopefully make it easier and less stressful" for people attending an inquest.

The new facilities include a private family room and enhanced audio technologies.

The council also highlighted how the court layout and facilities enhance the support given to families by the Coroners' Courts Support Service, a charity which provides emotional and practical support to families and witnesses.

The senior coroner of West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Penny Schofield, welcomed guests to the opening and said: "The coroner service is delighted to have been provided with this dedicated facility by the local authority.

"It allows the service to ensure that families are put at the heart of the process.

"An inquest is a difficult time for all those attending, and these new facilities will ease some of the pressures that they currently face."