Lanark Sheriff Court taken off government cutbacks ‘hit-list’

THERE were mighty sighs of relief from everyone from solicitors to hardened criminals in Clydesdale this week at the news that the area’s Sheriff Court has been taken off a govermment cutbacks `hit-list’.

Several months ago the Gazette first exposed the fact that Lanark Sheriff Court was among 16 small, rural courts throughout the country being considered for closure.

The Scottish Court Service said that a `cull’ was necessary if it was to meet large savings targets set it by the Scottish Government, itself claiming hardship due to UK government public spending cuts.

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.