Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has expressed concern and disappointment following the Scottish Court Service’s decision today (Tuesday April 9) to close Annan JP Court.
They are now proposing to close Annan JP Court in November this year, and transfer its business to Dumfries JP Court.
Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court is also to close in November, with its business transferred to Dumfries.
The closures are subject to final approval by the Scottish Government.
Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell said: “This is simply another case of people here being ignored by the Scottish Government. I am now seeking a full explanation for this disappointing decision, and checking to see if anything else can be done to these courts. I will also be lobbying the Scottish Parliament who will now have to approve this proposal, and also lobbying Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill.”
“I feel it is important that justice is seen to be done locally and this retrograde step removes local justice. I am disappointed for local people and if the closures do go ahead will be calling for the authorities to ensure that the undoubted inconvenience for those using the courts is kept to a minimum,” he added.
These court closures come despite warnings that the remaining courts will not be able to cope with such an increase in cases, and that witnesses, victims and staff will now face longer and more inconvenient journeys.
The SCS made the closure decision after the Scottish Government announced its budget would be cut by 20 per cent in real terms by 2015.
“This move will force victims and witnesses of crime to travel further and could lead to trials being delayed. “The plans will also seriously harm access to justice, may end up costing more money and could even hit small businesses who benefit from their local sheriff or JP court.
“The SCS describe these cuts as proportionate, but it means more than 10,000 cases will now have to be allocated to those Scottish courts that remain. The SNP is cutting the SCS budget, and is making life more difficult for the lucky ones left by piling on even more work,” he added.