The Law Society of Northern Ireland has met with representatives of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to discuss the impending closure of Lisburn Court House.

John Guerin, president of the Law Society, said the announced closure “will cause great disruption, inconvenience and unnecessary stress to court users and those seeking access to justice”.

Mr Guerin and the Society’s chief executive, Alan Hunter, were joined at the meeting by the Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett, chief executive Dr. Theresa Donaldson, and a number of local councillors.

They discussed the impact of the court closure on the local community.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Guerin said: “The Law Society is grateful to Mayor, Chief Executive and Councillors from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for meeting with the Society.

“The closure of Lisburn Court house will undoubtedly cause great disruption, inconvenience and unnecessary stress to court users and those seeking access to justice.

“The Society believes that instead of serving to improve the efficiency of the justice system and protect access to justice, it will undermine the effectiveness of the system and leave those that need it most without access to their local court.

“The impact of the Court closure will be felt most within the local rural community where access to public transport services is limited, incomes are lower and levels of unemployment and social deprivation levels are much higher.

“It does not serve the interests of justice to leave communities without access to local Courthouses or to endanger the future of businesses in local town centres.”