The Scottish Court Service’s firm proposals for future court structures should be known next month, The Courier has been told.
The consultation period on future court structures closed on December 21.
Proposals include closure of Cupar, Arbroath, Alloa and Stonehaven sheriff courts. Campaigners in the Cupar and Arbroath areas believe closure of their courts would be detrimental to justice and the local economies.
The Scottish Court Service could not confirm a date for the announcement, but said it was still the intention for the firm proposals to be made public next month.
A Scottish Court spokesperson told The Courier: “An analysis of consultation responses has been carried out during January and February 2013 and we anticipate publishing a report in April 2013 setting out the SCS response to the consultation and our firm proposals for future court structures.
“The decision on any resulting court closures would be a matter for the Scottish Parliament and would require the Cabinet Secretary for Justice to bring forward subordinate legislation.”
Meanwhile, Ochil and South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has made further calls for the SCS to bring about a positive resolution on the future of Alloa court.