We have today received an update from His Honour Judge Wood QC, Designated Civil Judge for Cheshire and Merseyside in relation to Covid: 19 arrangements and temporary measures which are now in place for the County Courts at Liverpool, Chester and other courts in the Cehshire and Merseyside area for Civil Work, which will include Birkenhead and St. Helens.

Possession Hearings

• As of 23rd March 2020 all possession claims and evictions will be vacated and postponed for at least three months. This will cover rent possession cases, accelerated possession cases, mortgage possession cases and we expect it to also cover possession claims based upon anti-social behaviour.

Anti-social Behaviour Injunctions/Committals/Arrests

• These will remain listed at present as they are considered urgent matters.

Small Claims Track

• All hearings vacated until after 4th May 2020.

Fast/Multi-Track

• Trials vacated for at least four weeks from 25th March 2020. Any cases with a trial window up to 1st June 2020 will also be vacated. New dates will be sent out to the parties.

Costs and Case Management Conferences and Chambers Lists

• Anything listed “in chambers” will now be heard remotely.

Stage 3 Hearings and Disposals

• These type of back to back cases should now proceed remotely.

MSB will provide further information for our clients as and when received. We will continue to work on any cases affected by today’s news and provide the best possible advice as always.