Statement by Cllr Timothy Gaston, TUV Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council:
“I am dismayed by the actions of the Justice Minister, David Ford, to press ahead with his proposed closure of Ballymena Courthouse.
“Council presented four workable solutions which would have retained the Courthouse but sought to use any free space within it for other purposes. Having had initial positive engagement with the Department, it appears we were given false hope over their commitment to retaining services in Ballymena.
“David Ford from the very beginning has sought to close Ballymena court house, and appears unwilling to listen to any workable ideas Council put forward. It is time the Minister started to listen and be honest with his intentions.”