WARRINGTON South MP Andy Carter has called for prison services and police to tackle the ongoing issues involving illegal contraband being smuggled into Thorn Cross Prison during a meeting with Appleton Thorn residents and Prisons Minister Alex Chalk MP.
Cheshire Police have had to step up patrols near the open prison after residents reported packages of drugs, steroids and alcohol being stashed in their gardens. Residents yesterday had the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with the Minister, and to explain how criminals went about smuggling in drugs and packages, causing great distress to local families.
This came as the Independent Monitoring Board published its annual assessment into the quality of Thorn Cross Prison, which Mr Carter believes doesn’t properly take into account the seriousness of this issue, and scales over the impact it is having on the local community.
Mr Carter said: “We cannot turn a blind eye to this criminal activity, it’s causing real concern for Appleton Thorn residents and drugs disrupt lives in prison. The Minister heard directly from the prison’s neighbours and we need measures to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour.
“This meeting raises the profile of the issue directly with the Minister, he’s already outlined a number of extra measures that the Prison Services is taking and I’m pleased he’s also looking at the introduction of CCTV to identify those responsible. The local community have a swathe of intel into how these individuals are smuggling in packages, and the prison needs to start to listen. I’m grateful that Ministers are taking this matter seriously and have agreed to monitor progress in the coming weeks.”
A local resident speaking about the activity taking place said: “I’ve been dealing with this for a number of years now and it’s about time the prison woke up to what’s going on.
“The entry of drugs into the prison is undoing a lot of the good work the prison has done, but there has been negligence on this issue for some time.
“The wellbeing of the prisoners should always be most important, and the prison should not be turning a blind eye to this kind of behaviour.
“Smuggling contraband into our gaols has many consequences and is a serious criminal activity, anyone caught doing it should expect a lengthy prison sentence.”
