A FORMER register office in Barnet will now be used to oversee inquests for the whole of north London.

The offices, based in Wood Street, officially opened on Friday as the Coroner's Court for the region after relocating from Hornsey, in Haringey.

The grade II-listed building, which also previously house the Barnet Urban District Council offices, will be used to hear inquests into deaths with and without juries.

Having undergone a £275,000 refurbishment, the building will also be used as the main offices of HM Coroner for the Northern District of Greater London, Andrew Walker, as well as administration staff.

The new court room includes a computer-based public address system, a digital recording system for proceedings and aids for people who suffer from hearing problems.

It will cover cases for Barnet, Haringey, Enfield, Harrow and Brent.

Mr Walker was joined by council dignitaries from Barnet and Haringey at a reception to mark the opening.

Barnet Council bosses are said to be proud the court will be based in the borough and are “pleased” the building itself will remain in civic use.