McCrossan: Strabane will resist cuts to frontline services.

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has expressed his frustration that Strabane Courthouse has been earmarked for closure. 

Following the revelation from the Justice Minister David Ford, Mr McCrossan confirmed that the SDLP support the local community in resisting any cuts to essential frontline public services.

He said: “I am deeply frustrated to learn of the Justice Minister David Fords proposals to close up to 8 Court Houses across the North. Not surprisingly, Strabane is first in line for further cuts.

“This again represents the very raw deal being dealt to the people of the Strabane District by the Northern Ireland Executive. Strabane has been starved from any meaningful Government investment for decades and this government now intends to entirely remove all traces of front line public services from the area.

This will add tremendous pressure, in an already very stressful situation, on those before the court and the families attending.  This will also prove very difficult for local solicitors, who will be expected to travel much further to represent their clients.

“Considering this is the third time the Strabane Court House has been pulled into question, it becomes quite clear that it was really only a matter of time before David Ford came knocking for the Gavel.

“Local solicitors along with local representative have battled hard to have the service retained and I along with my SDLP colleagues will continue this fight to protect this vital service.”