Outrage in towns as Ford confirms closure of six courthouses

Would the last person leaving Limavady turn out the lights.
Limavady Courthouse is one of six earmarked for closure by Justice Minister David FordLimavady Courthouse is one of six earmarked for closure by Justice Minister David Ford
Limavady Courthouse is one of six earmarked for closure by Justice Minister David Ford

That’s the feeling from Limavady solicitor, Peter Jack, after the Justice Minister confirmed Limavady Courthouse will close sometime in the summer.

Alliance MLA David Ford also announced the closure of a further five courthouses. They are in Armagh, Ballymena, Lisburn, Magherafelt and Strabane.

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He told the Assembly on Monday that his decision was based on “unprecedented financial pressures” and the underuse of courthouses.

Mr Ford also cited falling staffing levels.

The process of closures is to begin in the summer and will result in annual savings of £1.1m, he said.

Mr Jack, secretary of Limavady Solicitors’ Association, said the retention of Limavady Courthouse was something supported by all political parties, and the community. Mr Jack claimed the decision was driven by bureaucrats and civil servants.

“There is no need, economic or otherwise, for this decision,” Mr Jack told the ‘Derry Journal’.

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“David Ford talks about the courthouse being underused, but it is perfectly fit for the need it serves. It has served the community well. It will still have to be maintained as part of the court estate.

“It will be awkward for users to get to Coleraine for 10am using public transport. It’s not good.”

Mr Jack said there had been a campaign to save the courthouse for 14 years, so confirmation of closure was no great surprise.

“When they made it a hearing centre we knew it was on the list to be axed,” said Mr Jack. “It’s a sad day for the town. We’ve lost the custody suite in Limavady PSNI station and now the courthouse.

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“What have we left – the library and the Jobs & Benefits Office? It’s starting to feel like a case of ‘would the last person leaving Limavady turn out the lights’. That’s the way we’re going.”

DUP MP Ian Paisley said the decision to close Ballymena courthouse was “stupid”.

“Within days of a rally for jobs in Ballymena the justice department responds with a decision to close a public sector employer. How stupid does government actually get?

“This is a very poor decision and will not save money as claimed,” said Mr Paisley.

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“People are right to feel let down by such a decision. There is for once political unity on this matter and still Belfast-based government centralises court services away from rural towns. Utterly disgraceful.”

Meanwhile, Alderman William Leathem pointed out that the closure of Lisburn Courthouse “effectively means the Lisburn and Castlereagh area will be the only city council area in Northern Ireland without a courthouse”.

He added he was seeking an urgent meeting with the Justice Minister.