Assurances sought over future of Cupar Sheriff Court (East Renfrewshire Liberal Democrats)

East Renfrewshire Liberal Democrats <info@eastrenfrewshirelibdems.org.uk>

Assurances sought over future of Cupar Sheriff Court

July 16, 2009 12:05 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

North East Fife's MP Sir Menzies Campbell and MSP Iain Smith have called for an assurance from the Scottish Government that Cupar's Sheriff Court is safe from closure.

Local MSP Iain Smith has written to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill seeking an assurance that Cupar Sheriff court will not be considered for closure.Iain Smith MSP

In his letter Mr Smith said:

"The work done by Cupar's Sheriff Court is invaluable to the people of North East Fife and it is vitally important that there continues to be a locally based court here which reflects the appropriate needs of the area.

"I would be grateful if you were able to give me an assurance that the future of Cupar Sheriff Court is secure."

Sir Menzies said:

"Any proposal to close Cupar Sheriff Court should be forcefully opposed. The public would have to travel to Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline or even Dundee where the courts are already extremely busy.Menzies Campbell

"There would be an inevitable knock-on effect on the provision of legal services in North East Fife which would most certainly not be in the public interest. I have raised these issues in the past with the authorities and I intend to do so again."