APPLETON Parish Council is seeking assurances that sex offenders will NEVER be placed at Thorn Cross open prison to give peace of mind to the local community.
Sharon Harris
Parish council Chairman Sharon Harris has written a letter to Minister of State for Justice Rory Stewart OBE, on behalf of the Parish Council and all who live and work in Appleton Thorn, thanking him for re-considering a decision to house category D prisoners convicted of sex offences at HMP Thorn Cross.
In the letter she wrote: “The original decision caused great concern and upset for many reasons, not least of which is the prison’s very close proximity to a very successful and much-loved primary school.
“Indeed, I am aware that some parents were considering removing their children from the school and I hope that in view of the reversal of this decision, they too will reconsider. There were also other negative effects of the original decision as I am also aware that some residents in Appleton Thorn lost house sales.
She added: “I am pleased that you have listened to the rationale views expressed to you by ourselves, our Police and Crime Commissioner (David Keane), our MP (Faisal Rashid) and our Warrington Borough Council, Chief Executive (Steven Broomhead) as well other community representatives and reversed your decision quickly to avoid any further negative impact on the community of Appleton Thorn.
“However, I would now ask that in order to give the community peace of mind for the future, you to confirm in writing that HMP Thorn will NEVER house sex offenders. I look forward to receiving this reassurance as soon as possible.”
The original decision, which was taken with no consultation, sparked outrage in the local community.
But following the public outcry and lobbying the Justice Minister confirmed in phone calls with Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane and Warrington South Mp Faisal Rashid that he was reversing the decision.
Victory for common sense as Ministry of Justice announce U-turn on Thorn Cross
