THE East Lancashire coroner's service is set to become part of a county-wide jurisdiction.

The change will see longer inquests being held in Preston and authorities have said the move would save £300,000 a year.

Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council have signalled their support for joint arrangements after coroner Michael Singleton announced he will step down at the end of June.

The current service covers Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn and East Lancashire.

Senior figures in both organisations are supporting proposals to shift any longer inquests from Blackburn and Burnley to Preston, as required.

Chief coroner, Judge Mark Lucraft, has been looking to reduce the number of jurisdictions in England and Wales, with each expected to handle between 3,000 and 5,000 deaths per year.

Mr Singleton has asked if he could remain as a part-time assistant coroner for the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley area under the new regime.

Dr James Adeley, the Preston and West Lancashire coroner, would become, according to the proposals, the county’s senior coroner.

And the East Lancashire coroner’s post, held by Richard Taylor, would become a full-time area coroner’s position.

Administrative support for the Preston and West Lancashire and East Lancashire offices has been provided centrally from Preston for around a year.

Council officials say the combined offices, at Fulwood, would be large enough to accommodate transferred Blackburn with Darwen support staff.

The coroner’s officers, generally based within hospital premises, will not be affected.

Cllr Andy Kay, Blackburn with Darwen’s resources cabinet member, said: “It is not anticipated that the proposed merger would have any impact on service delivery.

"Contact with next of kin is generally via telephone, e-mail or letter, except where an inquest takes place.

“There is limited face-to-face contact with the bereaved families although this can be accommodated should it be necessary.”

Currently the county council funds half of the costs towards the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley responsibilities for the Blackburn coroner

Janet Mather, senior democratic services officer, said: “This proposal would therefore not displace either coroner.”