LAST MINUTE REPRIEVE FOR CUMNOCK AND GIRVAN COURTS

5.32.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th May 2009

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today welcomed the decision by the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee not to close Cumnock and Girvan Courts.

The proposed closures formed part of a review of the court service provision by the Scottish Courts Service and the MSP has been lobbying against the closures.

Jim Hume said:

"I am pleased that the Committee voted against the closure which is good news for Cumnock and Girvan.

"Justice is best served locally rather than centralising services away from local communities. People need access to the justice system, they need to be able to see that justice is being done."

ENDS