A week is certainly a long time in politics as the u-turn on the decision to place sex-offenders at Thorn Cross Open prison clearly demonstrates!
Last week I was commenting on the ludicrous decision from the Ministry for Justice to place sex offenders at Thorn Cross open prison, opposite the local primary school.
This week I am delighted to say common sense, often a rare commodity in the world of politics, has prevailed, with a complete u-turn by government minister for justice Rory Stewart MP.
The u-turn follows a huge public outcry and a united front from local councillors, Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid, Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane and Warrington Borough Council Chief Executive Steve Broomhead.
Backed by extensive media coverage, the message well and truly got home that this was simply not the right location to place sex-offenders.
While this is indeed a victory for common sense, it does now need to go one step further – to receive a guarantee that sex offenders will never be placed at Thorn Cross.
Last week house sales fell through, parents considered taking their children out of the local school and local residents were left in a complete state of distress fearing for the safety of their children.
The very least they now deserve is peace of mind that they will never face these concerns again.
Appleton Parish Council has already written to Rory Stewart seeking these assurances. Let us hope they are received sooner rather than later!
