Titan prison plan scrapped

Note of caution - Jo crotty

Jack Straw has scrapped controversial plans to build a series of "Titan Prisons" to hold more convicts.

Campaigners are claiming victory after the Justice Ministry announcement but others suggest the decision to scrap the super-jails is a result of spending cuts announced in the Budget.

Plans to build a Titan Prison on a site near the M62 at Warrington were in the final stages of approval but will now be dashed.

The scheme had faced stiff local opposition led by Lib Dem councillor Jo Crotty's campaign against siting the prison on the Omega Business Park.

Justice Minister Jack Straw confirmed that the whole Titan building programme would be scrapped.

Prospective parliamentary candidate for Warrington South, Dr Crotty said: "I'm pleased that Jack Straw and the Labour Government have finally listened to the thousands of local residents here in Warrington and scrapped their plans for a Titan prison on the Omega Business Park.

"This is a victory for all those who added their voice to our campaign and told Jack Straw a Titan prison was totally unacceptable.

"However, we still need to be cautious, the Labour Government is still planning a series of five 1500-inmate prisons to be built throughout the country and they could target Warrington once more.

"I would hope that they have learnt from their mistakes and in future they will pursue an open process and consult with the communities before making a decision, instead of carrying out their plans in secret.

"This remains an important victory. The Liberal Democrats have always campaigned against Titan prisons throughout the country - not just in Warrington.

"The announcement by the Government today acknowledges the strength of the opposition from local people as well as a range of prison reform groups that back up what we have been saying throughout.

"Titan prisons do not work. Bigger prisons cause bigger problems.

"Although Jack Straw has not admitted to the failings of Titan prisons, at the very least I am pleased he has bowed to the wishes of local people here in Warrington that a Titan prison on Omega would be a disaster."

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