Major structural problems have been uncovered during an engineer’s inspection which led this week to the closure of court 3 and the building containing the sheriff’s office.

A spokesman for the Victorian Justice Department yesterday confirmed the closures saying they were due to structural faults.

“The areas of the court complex that remain open have been deemed safe and pose no risk to court staff or users,” he said.

“The court is currently investigating what measures need to be taken to address the issue.”

The two areas were closed when the engineer’s report became available.

The issue will be raised in Parliament next week by the member for Murray Valley, Ken Jasper, as a matter of urgency and he will send a letter to Attorney-General Rob Hulls.

Mr Jasper has been aware of problems at the court for some time and inspected the building on Thursday after the closures.

“This is an issue that I raised with the Attorney-General 12 months ago,” Mr Jasper said.

He said subsequently there was external painting of the court facilities and Mr Hulls responded in a letter saying there would be a review of all court facilities throughout the state.

It appears that review has unearthed the structural problems.

Wangaratta solicitor Ian Watkins was in court 3 on Monday before the closure and said yesterday he was shocked by the revelations.

The North East Law Association president, Karen Keegan, expressed surprise but said the closures would create havoc.

Ms Keegan said there was a steady work load at Wangaratta with visits by the County Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal along with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and WorkCover.

A spokeswoman for the Attorney-General declined to make any comment yesterday saying it was an issue for the Justice Department.

The court facilities had major renovations and improvements in 1985 and were opened by Attorney-General Jim Kennan on January 21, 1986.

The improvements incorporated the former police station where the sheriff’s office was put.

There were renovations about 2003 with work on the court registry.

The sheriff’s office has been moved to the same building as the Corrections Office at the corner of Ovens Street and Faithful Street.