Free JP signing service

Residents with an urgent need for a justice of the peace will now be able to take up free community-based services at the Margaret River Community Centre.

The shared workspace on Tunbridge Street will see different local JPs drop in for signing sessions every Wednesday from next month.

JPs told the Times they had seen an increase in demand for the free service in recent years.

“Prior to the launch of the signing centre, members of the public were required to find a JP and negotiate a mutually convenient time to have their documents serviced,” co-ordinator Peter Stark said.

“Now the public can simply meet a justice of the peace at a regular time without any appointment.”

JP Mark Murray said many residents asked for help in a hurry and did not understand the members’ work was voluntary.

The new centre would help lighten the load for local JPs, he said, rather than fielding frantic calls or see residents dropping into the JPs’ workplaces for help.

From next week, JPs will attend the centre between 11am and 1pm, with no appointment necessary.