Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane
THE Ministry of Justice has announced a u-turn on controversial proposals to send sex offenders to Thorn Cross open prison at Appleton Thorn, Warrington.
The announcement has come from David Keane police and crime commissioner for Cheshire.
Mr Keane said: “I have just spoken directly to the government minister for justice Rory Stewart MP who called to inform me that the Ministry of Justice has reversed their decision to house convicted sex offenders at HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington.
“I am pleased that the government has listened to the concerns of the local community, including local elected representatives, in regards to the impact this decision would have had on the local area.
“Over the past week, I have spoken to many local residents who expressed deep concern over this decision and I hope they will be satisfied with this outcome and will continue to feel safe in their community.”
Mr Keane was joined by Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid, local councillors and Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive Steven Broomhead, who all voiced opposition to the proposal.
Earlier today Mr Broomhead announced the council would be preparing a judicial review to oppose the proposal which caused a storm of protest from local residents.
Faisal added: “I have this afternoon had a conversation with the Minster of State for Justice, Rory Stewart MP, about HMP Thorn Cross.
“The Minister has advised me that he will not be taking forward the proposed population changes which would have given the prison authorisation to accept category D men convicted of sexual offences.
“I was deeply concerned by the proposals and on hearing the news about the proposed changes on the first day of parliamentary recess, I immediately wrote to the Minister to express the very real concerns that I and the local community had about the plans.
“The Minister has now made it clear to me he has reversed the decision because of the concerns I raised in my letter about the prison’s proximity to local school, Appleton Thorn Primary.
“This is absolutely the right decision. I am delighted to hear that the Minister has now listened to the concerns raised by myself, local people and all other authorities, and will not be proceeding with the previously proposed population changes at HMP Thorn Cross.
“I would like to thank the whole community, Cheshire Police, Police & Crime Commissionar – David Keane, Warrington Borough Council, Parish Council, local/regional and national media who worked hard over the past week on this issue.
“This shows what can be achieved when we all work together”
MP Faisal Rashid
Council preparing judicial review to challenge decision to place sex offenders at Thorn Cross
