WARRINGTON South MP David Mowat has hit out at rumours suggesting that the Government could be set to revive plans to build a new “super prison” on the Omega site in Warrington.
He said the previous Labour Government had outlined plans to put a 2,500 place prison on the site –earmarked for business development – but had to drop it in the face of strong local opposition from Mr Mowat and local Liberal Democrat councillors.
But last week, as revealed on warrington-worldwide, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling announced he was looking for sites for a new 2,000 place prison in either London, the North West or Wales, sparking fears amongst local people that Omega could be considered once more.
But Mr Mowat said: “This proposal should be an absolute non-starter.
“Labour wanted to put 2,500 hardened criminals a matter of metres from a large residential area, saying it would bring “an economic benefit”. It was only because Conservatives and Liberal Democrats worked together with local residents that they were forced to back down.
“It was wrong then and it is wrong now. That site has been specifically earmarked to create jobs for Warrington and I will be seeking an urgent meeting with Chris Grayling to get him to change his mind.”
Meanwhile Warrington Council and Omega Warrington Ltd, a joint venture between Miller Developments and KUC Properties Ltd, in
partnership with The Homes and Communities Agency and supported by the council, have confirmed that there has been no contact of partners relating to this latest prison plan announcement, or any intention for such a use to be considered for this development site.
Council leader Cllr Terry O’Neill, said: “Any potential investment in the Omega site that does not contribute to our ambitious business growth plans would serve only to stifle this development and any future investment opportunities, particularly for Omega South. On that basis, we would not support any proposal for a prison at Omega if this were to be raised. However we can confirm that we have received no such contact on this matter.”
Andrew Sutherland, joint Managing Director of Miller Developments, a partner of Omega Warrington Ltd (OWL), added: “Our aims and ambitions are far reaching when it comes to Omega and we have no intention of putting Omega forward as an option site to the MOJ. The major announcement made only last month about Brakes, the first occupier deal signed for the Omega site, has acted as a catalyst for this project and this is an exciting time for economic development and business growth. Having reached this key milestone, the Omega project is now firmly underway and we are all committed to building on its success and making the project become a sustainable reality.”
Cllr O’Neill concluded: “We want businesses and investors to come here, enjoy considerable success and play an important part in our regeneration journey. We also want the town and its residents to benefit through the creation of new jobs, enhancing skills and training, and seizing opportunities for local businesses.
“Warrington means business and the Council and its partners are committed to achieving our goals, ensuring that Omega reaches its full potential and promoting both the site and the town as a premier location to do business in the UK.”
Omega Warrington Ltd is currently having advanced discussions with a number of potential occupiers and is hoping to be able to make further announcements about progress shortly.
David Mowat pictured at the Omega site with William Hague and local protestors back in 2009.
14 Comments
Last week’s article http://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/articles/14822/1/Super-prison-shock-for-town/Page1.html stated that Oakwood in Warrington was not going to be the site of a new prison ‘it is believed the rumour originates from confusion between a statement from the Ministry of Justice that the North West was one area being considered for the super prison and another reference to HMP Oakwood – a new privately run prison nearing completion near Wolverhampton’.
It then goes on to reveal that ‘Justice secretary Chris Grayling – ironically an unsuccessful Parliamentary candidate at Warrington some years ago- unveiled plans for a new super prison and announced the imminent closure of six old prisons……He said a feasibility study on the proposed new prison had started and suggested sites in London, the North West or North Wales were being considered ’
Just imagine if he had been elected a Warrington MP!!
I think that you will find that BOTH Warrington MPs have lead campaigns against such a Prison being built on the OMEGA or anywhere else in the Town supported by all Borough Councillors – as far as I am aware.
Does Mr Mowat think that the Labour Junta would be cynical enough to make a stand against a non-existent plan so they can claim credit when it doesn’t happen – fair enough. 😉
I don’t see what the problem is here?
Surely the new prison would create many jobs that would benefit the town?
It’s hardly an area of natural beauty, so a prison is not going to be a blight on the landscape.
Labour have spread these rumours so that they can gain political capital. If, as is EXTREMELY unlikely a new prison of any sort is built locally they will pull their usually trick (see Home Office building near Longbarn and parking concerns etc.) of claiming credit for a project when it creates jobs but somehow not for the project when there are any potential or actual problems caused by it – i believe George Orwell called it doublethink – the ability to believe in two contracdictory “facts” at the same time.
I wonder what Town’s Folk think of your views are you Out of Warrington or do they think that you are Out on a limb?
Yes Nick it does look as though they wanted to create another headline, but not to gain any political capital – already at an all time low – but to deflect criticism away from a growing a list of local botch ups. Orwell also coined the word Newspeak, which seems to fit here.
Doesn’t seem to be much opposition to the siting of a prison there Geoff?????
When the prison was planned for Omega four years ago, I did not here any arguments against it or support for the objectors from any Labour member then. The WRAPP group, along with the local councillors and parliamentary candidates made all the noise and got it stopped.
As far as I can see in Gary’s article the Rt Hon David Mowat MP (Cons) is making the headline and he is lobbying Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP(Cons) NOT to build a super Prison on Omega.
I’m going to ask Frank Skinner to put Nick Tessla into Room 101 or may be Cell Block ‘H’.
Nick nobody of any persuasion wants this ‘super prison’ to come anywhere near Warrington, this appears to be a cross-party consensus.
Are you trying to tell me that me that the rumours weren’t first generated, or at the very least greatly encouraged, by Warrington Labour’s Ministry of “Truth” ? If they can’t find a genuine bandwaggon, they may as well create an imaginary one 🙂
My daughter’s doing a project on Alice in Wonderland – maybe you should glance into the Looking Glass 🙂 The issue in Gary’s article is the prospect of a ‘super prison’ that even the mad hatter wouldn’t welcome to these shores.
But your mate Jack Straw would have! 🙂
Maybe not the Mad Hatter and Labour Councillors Geoff but the majority of the law abiding citizens of this country would welcome enough Super Prisons to rid the streets of the criminal scum who are currently receiving soft sentences because therer is nowhere to put them.
Maybe if we weren’t governed by a gang of political softies; we could get the death penalty back and get rid of the need for prisons for hardened criminals…. just a pity that the human rights of murderers and paedophiles are considered to be more important than their victims by these people