Victory on Bodmin Bail House as officials climb down
orth Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson, has claimed a victory for local people today (Wednesday) as officials climbed down over their plan to house prisoners in Cherry Tree Close, Bodmin.
The National Operations Director of ClearSprings, Juliette Hewitt, called Mr Rogerson’s office this afternoon to confirm that the house had been removed from their scheme.
The local MP had twice written to the Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw, and spoke yesterday with the Managing Director of ClearSprings to demand clarity on rumours that the area could be used as an overflow for prisons.
Research by the Liberal Democrats last year showed that 7 in 10 bail house places in the UK were used to accommodate dangerous offenders.
Commenting, Mr Rogerson said:
“I’m glad that officials have taken notice both of my representations and the swift, strong campaign started by local people.
“Our research shows that these bail houses are frequently used to house dangerous categories of prisoner. No wonder residents were so vehemently opposed to locating one in a quiet residential cul-de-sac.
“ClearSprings, the company charged with running bail houses on the Government’s behalf failed completely to consult with councillors or to contact my office and in so doing turned what was already a flawed policy into a reprehensible shambles.
“I will now want to meet with Justice Ministers and with officials from ClearSprings to ensure there are no hidden plans to locate one of these houses in other unsuitable locations in Bodmin. Our town should not be used as an overflow pipe for the Government’s creaking prisons system.”
Notes:
Written confirmation from ClearSprings can be viewed here .
