An Angus councillor has hit out at politicians for looking into alternative uses for Arbroath Sheriff Court instead of fighting closure plans “to the bitter end”.
Angus South MSP Graeme Dey and Angus MP Mike Weir have been talking with the Scottish Courts Service (SCS) about the potential future uses for the prominent High Street building, which is due to shut in May.
The building will initially be put up for sale on the market, but the SNP politicians have secured a commitment from SCS that they would consider a community asset transfer, which will see the facility given to the people Angus, if a suitable use could be found.
Among the ideas that have been suggested to them is a museum about Arbroath or an arts centre.
But Montrose Lib Dem councillor Mr May hit out at the SNP politicians, accusing them of trying to deflect attention from their party’s national policy.
He said: “I am dismayed the pair are already looking to find other uses for the building, nearly a year ahead of the planned closure, rather than fight the plans to the bitter end.
“Angus Council has recently closed their museums on Monday of each week, cut back on the meals on wheels service, proposed huge increases to bowling clubs and cuts on playpark equipment, so where is the money to come from to pay for the two SNP politicians ideas?
“In my view this is a total distraction from them about their inability to change their party’s national policy.”
Arbroath was one of 10 courts selected for closure by the Scottish Courts Service (SCS) in a cost cutting exercise.
The move raised concerns about the economic impact on businesses surrounding the court in Arbroath, increased travel costs for witnesses and jurors and the potential for witnesses and offenders having to share the same public transport from Arbroath or Montrose to court in Forfar.
Already one legal office in Arbroath Boyles Solicitors has closed its doors in the town’s High Street as a result of the planned closure.
Mr Dey said he and Mr Weir felt it was important to do as much as possible to minimise the impact of the court closure.
He said: “The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee has ratified the Scottish Court Services plans for court closures and the Arbroath facility will close next year – that is the reality of the situation.
“As the local Members of Parliament we have been actively engaged with the SCS in exploring how the impacts of such a closure might be minimised and having the building lying empty avoided.
“The SCS are clear that they plan to sell the Court. What we have secured from them is a commitment that if that does not prove possible they would consider community asset transfer if a suitable use could be found for it.
“This is about exploring, given closure of the court will happen, what options might exist to use the building to attract locals and visitors to that part of the High Street.”