TOP delegates from the county council will put on a united front next week when they present plans to regenerate Lincoln Castle.

Conservative MP for Lincoln Karl McCartney will join county council leader Martin Hill, chief executive Tony McArdle and councillor Eddy Poll when they meet with Parliamentary Under-Secretary Of State For Justice Jonathan Djanogly on Monday.

They will put forward plans to showcase one of Lincoln's greatest treasures, the Magna Carta, in the magnificent surroundings of the castle.

The city has one of the last surviving copies of the Magna Carta, a cornerstone of modern democracy, which dates back to 1215 and King John's reign.

The Echo launched its Let Our Treasure Shine campaign to help get the 13th century charter the world-class exhibition centre it deserves.

The castle needs a £20 million regeneration and this would include a new exhibition centre for the Magna Carta.

But Lincolnshire County Council needs to make a deal with Her Majesty's Courts Service before any changes can take place – because the city's crown court occupies a prime location in the building.

Mr McCartney said he would be doing everything possible to put the case forward to Mr Djanogly.

He said: "The castle could be a jewel in the city's crown, like the cathedral.

"I'm confident that, with the delegation we have going in, we are going to put the best case forward for the relocation of the crown court and the upgrading of the castle.

"It's a high-powered delegation going to see the minister, and we are all aware Lincolnshire has missed out in the past.

"I'm sure there's going to be questions asked and we will debate the finer points of the plans we have.

"The county council is doing its utmost to relocate the crown court. I'm hoping we will be able to make the salient points that this will be the best for Lincoln."

Council leader Martin Hill said he was hopeful for next week's meeting with the minister.

He said: "We will make the case for moving the crown court and explain the plans for the Magna Carta exhibition in the hope that we can get the project moving forward.

"Now we are working with a new government, we are hopeful they will take a fresh look."