PARISH councillors at Appleton are calling on the Ministry of Justice to make an immediate u-turn on a decision to place sex offenders at Thorn Cross open prison.
Parish Chair Cllr Sharon Harris
In a letter to the National Offender Management Service, Parish Council Chair Cllr Sharon Harris said: “We would like to express our dismay at the decision to house sex offenders in the above Open Prison; and the complete absence of any prior consultation with residents, the Parish Council, the Borough Council, The M.P. or the Crime Commissioner.
“The site is wholly inappropriate for sex offenders, albeit prior to their release into the community, due to its very close proximity to a primary school, two pre-schools and residential housing.
“As part of your rationale, you quote “The ability to test men in open conditions is often a critical step in their reintegration into society”. Whilst we appreciate these prisoners may be close to release into the community and integration via an open setting is important, it is no justification for choosing Appleton Cross. It makes no sense to put young children, other residents and the sex offender themselves at risk.
“Appleton Cross has been part of the local community for many years and good, longstanding relationships have been fostered between the prison, the residents, the church and the schools. We fear that the trust and confidence that has been established is now in jeopardy. We are also concerned about the effect this could have on the viability of the popular and successful local primary school which is only 20 metres away from the prison.
“We urge you to reverse this decision with immediate effect and, if this is not possible, put it on hold until meaningful consultation has taken place with the community and its representatives.
In view of the importance of this issue to the local community, we look forward to a reply by return.”
The decision, which was announced in a letter to residents living near the prison on Tuesday this week, has received widespread condemnation from local residents, local councillors, Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid, Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive Steven Broomhead and Police and crime Commissioner David Keane.
The prison has said it will arrange a meeting with relevant parties – but no date has yet been set.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Under this Government more sex offenders are being convicted and going to prison, and spending longer there.
“The ability to test men in open conditions as they approach the end of their sentence is a critical step in this.
“Anyone who is transferred to open conditions must pass a strict risk-assessment and can be recalled to tougher closed conditions at the first sign of any concern.”
MP deeply concerned over decision to place sex offenders at Appleton Thorn open prison
