This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Discussion on future of Peebles court services
10/10/2002
Justice Minister Jim Wallace has asked that the Scottish
Court Service delay issuing a consultation paper on the
future of court services in Peebles following promising
meetings with Scottish Borders Council.
Deputy Justice Minister Richard Simpson, during a debate
in the Scottish Parliament, innovative solutions will be
needed to provide a cost effective service for all court
users in the Borders.
Ministers also gave a commitment to examine carefully
the potential to deliver court services at an alternative
venue in Peebles - if one could be found which met the
needs of the court.
Mr Wallace said:
"In line with that commitment the Scottish Court Service
has met with officials from Scottish Borders Council to
examine the scope for using the Council Buildings at
Rosetta Road in Peebles for both District and Sheriff Court
business.
" These discussion are at an early stage and a number of
practical issues need to be resolved. However, with the
continued co-operation of Scottish Borders Council, I am
satisfied that the potential exists to achieve an outcome
which meets the desires of the local community to retain a
court in Peebles.
" I have therefore asked the Scottish Court Service to
delay issuing a consultation paper until those discussion
are concluded."
Copies of the consultant's report on the existing
Peebles Sheriff Courthouse are available from Mr Mike
Bonner, Area Director, Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Chambers
Street, Edinburgh.