There has been an “astonishing” public response towards a community group’s efforts to save Arbroath Sheriff Court for their town.
The town’s sheriff court will close on May 30 and its business will transfer to Forfar leaving what some residents believe is a building too large to remain empty.
The Arbroath Court Action Group (ACAG) was surprised at the support they received with their survey at the weekend gathering several hundred signatures in two hours.
Group spokesman Mike Sowden said: “This fantastic support, along with the shop survey, gives us evidence that there is a will within the community to take over the court buildings for the benefit and use of the community of Arbroath.”
The group has arranged a public consultation to be held in the Meadowbank Inn on May 28 at 7pm, where they will give more details of their work so far, including an architect’s impression of how the building can be adapted for community use.
There will also be a representative from Development Trust Scotland and a member of a team who has successfully undertaken an asset transfer in Scotland.
Mr Sowden added: “This is a large building and can be put to many different uses.“ACAG is a small group of five
individuals with no agenda other than to save the court buildings for the benefit of the community and to make these historic buildings the focal point of our High Street.
“We cannot make progress without the community’s commitment and practical help. There is a lot of work to do in a short period of time.”
Those who cannot attend the meeting can email lynn@mackayboatbuilders.co.uk.