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I couldn't help a wry smile at the mention of the Central London County Court. It used to be known (probably still is) as The Black Hole. It was vital to turn up to any sort of hearing, even a simple application, with multiple bundles, in the fairly certain knowledge that the Court File would be lost or missing, and the Judge would have no papers.

The only certain way to file a document was physically across the counter, securing a stamped copy at the same time.

Unfortunately we are now getting to the same level with the County Court at numerous locations around England, particularly those who have adopted the appointment only arrangement at the Public (there's a joke in itself) Counter. Appointments are for urgent matters only, and I have heard it on numerous occasions from court staff that filing a document is not an urgent matter justifying an appointment, even where it's time-limited and there is a fee to pay.

I will however happily admit that there are certain county courts were this simply doesn't happen, but in my experience certainly in the last couple of years, these are in a very small minority.

Bravo City of London if it works (the Jury is out on this in my view however until we see the result), but the sad reality is that it's the entire Court and Tribunal system that needs a thorough shakeup and, inevitably, very substantial investment.