But MP warns that Government plans still leave Basildon District under threat

Today, John Baron MP welcomed the news that the organisation ClearSprings has decided not to turn a local property into an ‘open jail’. The decision comes after an assessment by ClearSprings that the premises did not represent a good property investment, but the proposal had also come in for wide criticism, with John raising local concerns with Ministers in the House of Commons and with ClearSprings itself. However, ClearSprings has confirmed that the Government is still asking it to identify a property in Basildon District to be used as an offender hostel.

John said:

“Having raised this with Ministers in Parliament, it has been confirmed to me by the Managing Director of ClearSprings that their proposed purchase is no longer going ahead. However, they are still being tasked by the Government to look for other properties across the District, and so we must continue to campaign against these ‘open prisons’ being simply dumped on local communities without any consultation.”

“This half-baked Government policy to tackle prison-overcrowding is completely wrong. I hope all local politicians can be united on this issue. I will certainly be continuing to press the Government on this issue in Parliament”