Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he will take to engage with local stakeholders on planning alternative provision when Eastbourne magistrates court, county court and family court are closed.

Local stakeholders and the Hon. Member’s predecessor as the MP for Eastbourne were informed in April 2017 that the HMCTS Property Board had agreed alternative provision arrangements for Eastbourne.

The courthouse at Eastbourne is expected to close in October 2017. The Eastbourne Traffic Commissioner’s Office will be used for hearings where appropriate. In addition, video link facilities for victims and witnesses will also be available at a local Police facility. Notice of closure has been provided to local legal stakeholders and is also displayed on public notices outside the building.