MEMBERS of the public who want to join the growing campaign against any suggestion of a new Titan “super prison” at Warrington will get a chance to do so tomorrow (Saturday).
Local Liberal Democrats will be collecting signatures at Market Gate between 10.30am and 12 noon.
The prospect of the prison on the Omega development site has alarmed
local councillors and infuriated residents.
A public meeting at Whittle Hall was attended by more than 600 people and an
action group was established.
Many residents were angry that the prison could undermine the “original promise” of Omega – to bring a high tech business park to the area.
Others were concerned about transport and infrastructure issues while others feared an increase in low level crime associated with such a huge development.
All three main political parties have voiced opposition to the prison.
In fact, the government has not given any indication that it wants to build the prison at Omega.
But it commissioned commercial property consultants Lambert Smith Hampton to identify a site of about 50-acres in size in the North West which could accommodate a prison.
Omega qualifies because of its size – but there is no indication that it is likely to be shortlisted and it is believed it fails to meet other Government criteria.
The preferred option is likely to be a brownfield or old industrial site, well away from residential areas.
