Bolton Coroner’s Court could be set to expand to three court rooms to help cope with a “substantial” backlog of sudden or unexplained deaths.

This comes after both changes to the law and the effect of the Covid pandemic caused a large number of inquests to build up that need concluding.

At a meeting this week, Bolton Council approved plans to develop a third coroner’s court.

A report said: “The report advised that the Coroners’ Court had a substantial backlog of cases from a combination of changes to the law and the Covid pandemic and required a third court room in order to meet the increased demands on the Service.

“Indicative costs had been compiled for the expansion and associated move, details of which were provided.

“Arrangements had also been put in place to relocate staff to allow space for the expansion and approval was sought to move the existing workshop to a new location.”

The coroner provides an essential service by investigating sudden, violent or unexplained deaths and coming to conclusions as to how and why they occurred.

The new courtroom will be funded using Bolton Council’s corporate reserves, while the costs will also be shared with Wigan and Salford Councils.