Cheshire PCC "overjoyed" at u-turn over housing sex offenders in prison near Warrington primary school
David Keane says the community hadn't been consulted by the government over plans to house sex offenders opposite Appleton Thorn primary school.
Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner says he's "overjoyed" at the government's u-turn over housing convicted sex offenders in an open prison near a Warrington primary school.
The reversal concerning HMP Thorn Cross was confirmed in a phone call with the justice minister yesterday.
The move to allow Category D prisoners convicted of sexual offences to be accepted at HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington, Cheshire, was met by criticism when it was revealed by the Government last week.
Cheshire Police and Crime commissioner David Keane said he had not been consulted about the move and neither had Zoe Jones, the headteacher of Appleton Thorn Primary School, a few hundred yards away from the prison.
The decision was also criticised by Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid and council chiefs.
On Wednesday the MoJ confirmed it had made a U-turn on plans.
A spokeswoman said: We recognise the concerns of the community and local representatives with regard to putting sex offenders into HMP Thorn Cross.
Having reflected on these, and the specific concern about the immediate proximity of Thorn Cross to a primary school, we have reviewed the decision and will not progress with this change.
The management of low-risk men in open conditions as they approach the end of their sentence is a critical step to support their reintegration into society.''
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.'