Anger over decision to move sex offenders to prison near Warrington school

A decision to house sex offenders at an open prison opposite a primary school is a "serious concern'', according to the local police Chief.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane is calling for an urgent meeting with Government officials over the change at HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington.

Appleton Thorn Primary School is just a few hundred yards away from the site, which has never housed convicted sex offenders.

Mr Keane said he had not been consulted, along with Appleton Thorn headteacher Zoe Jones, Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid and local council chiefs.

The Ministry of Justice explained the move was a result of more convicted sex offenders going to prison under the present Government.

Mr Keane said: "I was made aware of the Government's decision to authorise HMP Thorn Cross to accept Category D men convicted of sexual offences by the end of the year yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon via a verbal update from the prison.

"I subsequently received a letter from Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service to inform me of this change.

"I haven't been consulted regarding this decision - a decision which will have obvious implications for the local community.

"I have written to the Government requesting an urgent meeting to discuss why this prison has been chosen, especially considering its proximity to local housing and with it being situated directly opposite a primary school.

"As the elected representative for the people of Cheshire for criminal justice, this decision causes me serious concern, and I have requested that the minister responsible comes to Warrington to address local residents and community representatives directly, prior to any further implementation of this decision.''

Ms Jones said: "Thorn Cross informed me as headteacher of the change to the category of prisoner at the same time that local residents received the news, July 24 2018. At this moment in time I have informed the local authority and spoken directly to the head of education.

"We are seeking clarification as to the change in categorisation and when this will take effect. I will be keeping parents informed as soon as I have any more information.''

In a statement, a Prison Service spokeswoman said: "Under this Government more sex offenders are being convicted and going to prison, and spending longer there.

"The ability to test men in open conditions as they approach the end of their sentence is a critical step in this.

"Anyone who is transferred to open conditions must pass a strict risk-assessment and can be recalled to tougher closed conditions at the first sign of any concern.''

Labour MP Mr Rashid has written to Justice Minister Rory Stewart to ask to put the plans on hold until the pair and Warrington Borough Council chief executive Steven Broomhead can meet for talks.

In his letter, he said: "HMP Thorn Cross is located in close proximity to Appleton Thorn Primary School and two nurseries. Given this, the decision to allow this change would seem to suggest that no work has been undertaken to understand the area before considering whether or not the site is suitable for this change.''

A petition calling for the reversal of the decision has been launched by the Warrington Guardian newspaper