The building closed in August last year for work on the roof along with other structural repairs and painting.

It was anticipated to take a maximum of six months, but remains closed and the monthly sittings usually held at Holbrook are taking place in Albury.

“We are concerned that it has taken long,” Mayor Heather Wilton said yesterday.

“There was a monthly sitting which normally went all day. August is a fair while ago.”

She said council general manager Steve Pinnuck has written to the NSW Justice Department seeking an explanation.

But a Justice Department spokesman said the works are close to being finished.

“The project is in its final stages and future sitting arrangements will be determined once it has been completed,” he said.

It is understood flaking paint led to the closure, with a possible risk for staff and the public.

A Justice Department spokesman said when the closure was announced that the majority of buildings and homes built in Australia before 1970 contained some form of lead-based paint.

“It is being removed from Holbrook Courthouse as a safety precaution,” he said.

Mr Pinnuck said at the time that the council hoped the work was done quickly so it could be reopened to service the district community.

The department spokesman said most of the services provided by the Holbrook court registry were available online or on the phone.

He said NSW courts operated a phone service, 1300 722 574, which responded to more than 50,000 calls a month.

“The service centre can process fine payments and provide a range of information including court listing details,” the spokesman said.

“The government’s Law Access service offers free legal information and advice over the phone (1300 888 529) and maintains a website (lawaccess.nsw.gov.au) that helps people address common legal issues and prepare for their day in court.”

Mr Pinnuck said many older country people could not access online services.