Court closures rejected by MSPs

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8034440.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Government plans to shut several Scottish courts have been voted down by MSPs, amid concerns over unwanted centralisation of the system.

Members of Holyrood's justice committee blocked a move to close district courts at Annan, in Dumfriesshire, and Girvan and Cumnock, in Ayrshire.

Their workload would have been moved to Dumfries and Ayr.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill accused rival MSPs of playing political games, provoking a furious response.

Labour and Liberal Democrat MSPs on the committee argued against the plan, backing a motion by Labour MSP Elaine Murray to block the move by a 5-3 majority.

It seems some political games are being played, rather than the best interests of justice Kenny MacAskillScottish justice secretary

The issue is now likely to go before the full parliament next week for debate and a further vote.

Mr MacAskill said the changes were part of plans launched by the previous Scottish Government, adding that similar reforms had already taken place in the Highlands and Grampian.

In the wake of the committee's decision, the justice secretary said: "We will need to consider - clearly we are disappointed.

"But it seems some political games are being played, rather than the best interests of justice."

Cathy Jamieson, Labour MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, branded Mr MacAskill's comments "outrageous".

"I was at the committee representing the views of my local constituents, which include the leader of the SNP-controlled council in East Ayrshire, and the local justices' committee," said the former justice minister.

Dumfries MSP Dr Murray, added: "It's not about political games - we believe access to justice is not best served by centralising courts in Dumfries."

Plans to close the courts form part of a wider shake-up of Scotland's summary justice system.

Mr MacAskill argued the changes would lead to better court buildings and make the service run more efficiently.

"Some towns have both a sheriff and district court, neither of which is fully employed," he said.