Local courthouses given reprieve

West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle has welcomed a decision to keep Strabane Courthouse open.

That's after Justice Minister Claire Sugden reversed a decision to close the local court yesterday.

There had been plans to shelve the court along with five others across Northern Ireland.

“Having considered representations from the community and in light of a number of developments, I do not consider that it would be appropriate to proceed with the proposed closures at this time," Minister Sugden said.

The East Londonderry MLA went on to say that she "recognises the need to rationalise the court estate".

"I must ensure that when moving forward we have sufficient flexibility to deliver better outcomes for the community through reform and innovation," she continued.

"I have asked the NI Courts and Tribunals Service, to consider the requirements of the court estate in the context of a changing justice environment, mindful that facilities must meet the needs of those using our courts, in particular that the needs of victims and witnesses," she added.

The Justice Minister, Northern Ireland's second and the first woman to fill the post, said her Department would continue to monitor the issue of rationalising the court estate, and that any future decisions would be subject to further consultation.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein's Michaela Boyle welcomed the decision to reverse the closures saying she and her party would continue to work with the Minister "to ensure we have sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of those using our courts".

“I welcome the decision by the Justice Minister that she has reversed the decision to close six courthouses across the North," the West Tyrone MLA added.