Closing? Limavady
HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds has been spent on three local court houses – even they are due to close.
The cash was spent per court house from 1 April 2010 to 31 December 2014 included:
- Limavady Court Office £163,110.67
- Magherafelt Court Office £198,399.93
- Strabane Court Office £247,308.38
The figures include refurbishment, maintenance and security costs, said TUV leader Jim Allister.
“In an answer to an assembly question David Ford has admitted to me that since coming to office he spent £4.5m upgrading the eight courthouses which he now foolishly wants to close,” Mr Allister said.
“So, now we know that not only has the justice minister defied the advice of the lord chief justice, but he squandered millions on courthouses to now abandon them.” d.
A spokesman for the Department of Justice said no decisions had been taken on the future of any of the courthouses, as the consultation period runs until 30 April.
“In broad terms, the rationalisation proposals seek to make greater use of the more modern court buildings within the court estate, which offer a better standard of facilities and accommodation for those attending court, including victims and witnesses,” he said.
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