MPs Bridget Phillipson and Julie Elliott have called on the Ministry of Justice to come clean about the future of Sunderland’s courts after a letter reveals the government’s court rebuilding programme is in chaos.

The letter received from Justice Minister Helen Grant MP confirms that despite the Ministry of Justice purchasing the site at Farringdon Row and architects drawing up plans, there remains confusion about whether the re-building will go ahead.

In their letter to the Minister, Wearside MPs Bridget Phillipson and Julie Elliot are again demanding the minister meet with them in order to press Sunderland’s case.

Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson said:

“I know from speaking to local magistrates how keen they are that rebuilding work goes ahead. Victims of crime deserve court facilities fit for the 21st century.

“I’m disappointed that the minister has refused to meet us to discuss our concerns. We will keep up the pressure until we get answers and we have again written to the minister asking to meet in person.”

Sunderland Central MP, Julie Elliott said:

“The government’s court rebuilding programme is in chaos. Repeatedly, ministers have claimed that the work was going ahead. We need certainty about the government’s intentions. The site earmarked for the new courts premises is vital to the regeneration of the city centre.”

To read the letterreceived by Bridget and Julie from Helen Grant, click here.