Downpatrick Court House Gets Reprieve

 AMID the swinging axe of government cuts, there remains one bastion of justice that looks set to stay in Downpatrick, writes Anne O'Hare.

Pictured is Downpatrick Court House which will remain a healthy magnet for attacting trade to the town.

The Court House on English Street has been around for 275 years and Justice Minister David Ford announced recently, it's here to stay.

The Minister is currently assessing the long term viability of five court houses across Northern Ireland. Fortunately for Downpatrick, this time, it's not one of them.

DUP MLA Jim Wells, spoke of the importance of maintaining Downpatrick Court House. He said: “Not only is there a lot of history attached to the Court House, it continues to bring considerable trade to the town.

“At least three days a week, solicitors and barristers dine in the many restaurants and cafes in the town and this in turn affects the retail sector. Of course there is also security staff and back room staff who are employed there, attracting more people into the town.

“Not forgetting the great number of families who are also drawn to the town. I know only too well of the inconvenience caused when a court house is lost to the town, when Kilkeel lost it's court house.

“Thankfully, Downpatrick has a healthy number of small claims and individual cases being heard each week. And this news is welcomed especially considering our nearest court house would either be Newtownards or Newry.

A spokesperson for the justice department said: “At a time of severe financial stringency it is necessary to direct our resources where they will deliver the greatest benefit.”