A fierce critic of Cupar Sheriff Court’s closure has welcomed court bosses’ promise of a video conference facility at the court after it shuts.
The convener of the Fife and Forth Valley Community Justice Authority, Cupar councillor Margaret Kennedy, has previously described the Scottish Government’s decision to back the closure of Cupar Sheriff Court as “short-sighted”.
However, she welcomed news the Scottish Court Service (SCS) is to provide a video conferencing facility for vulnerable witnesses in Cupar from the start of the business transfer to Dundee on May 30.
She also hoped there was the possibility of some court administration access being retained in Cupar although the SCS has no plans to retain a sheriff clerk’s office.
The death knell sounded for the future of Cupar, Arbroath and Stonehaven sheriff courts last April when proposals from the SCS to change the future structure of Scotland’s courts were accepted by the Scottish Government.
The previous week, the SCS published its report and recommendations after its consideration of responses from public consultation.
The report recommended the closure of 10 sheriff and seven justice of the peace courts.
In the wake of a meeting she had with SCS officials on Tuesday, Ms Kennedy told The Courier: “I was pleased with the attitude and approach the SCS staff took with regards to the meeting, which I called to discuss the implications of the transfer of court business from Cupar to Dundee.
“Whilst I will never agree with the transfer, I intend to work closely with the SCS to ensure, as far as I can, a smooth transition and indeed one which recognises the local impact and works to create resolutions.”
The SCS are providing a video conferencing facility for vulnerable witnesses from the start of the business transfer.
Ms Kennedy asked for their views in extending that facility for some standing trial where there are complex lifestyle issues, for which the travel to Dundee becomes a hurdle too much.
However, while the SCS did not agree to develop this just now, she said their response was “positive”.
Ms Kennedy also hopes the SCS will explore the viability of her suggestion Cupar County Buildings could retain a sheriff clerk/admin facility for civil business one afternoon a week though this needs to be explored as to its viability.
She added: “Importantly, a commitment has been given to keep all interested parties up to date with progress.
“I look forward to taking part in and trying to secure a more positive future from what has been a negative issue for the area.”
A SCS spokesperson told The Courier: “The Scottish Court Service will continue to work with all organisations to provide the best possible service to those who engage with the courts and court services.
“While we have no plans to retain a sheriff clerks office in Cupar beyond the date of closure, we have been asked if it is possible to provide limited administrative services from Cupar to aid a smooth transition and to consider this.
“We have already been clear in our proposals for court structures.
“We will provide video link facilities in the vicinity of all closing sheriff courts, initially as a facility for vulnerable witnesses and as a platform for the conduct of other types of administrative court business.
“SCS already has an online service where people can pay fines or fines can be paid by post or telephone.
“Fines enforcement officers are also available if anyone is seeking advice on paying their fine.”