By Tom Connell
Residents of a small village in East Yorkshire say they have been left in the dark about plans to build a second prison on their doorstep.
Full Sutton near York, already has a high security prison holding some of the country’s most notorious criminals, and now another will be built next to it in a bid to solve overcrowding issues and replace run-down jails.
Some of the villagers feel that their views have not been considered by the government.
Kelly Rackham, who lives just a few hundred metres from where the prison is set to be built, thinks people who own houses so close to the site have been ignored.
She said: “We haven’t been told much information about it. We should be taken into account we are a small group of houses, we moved here for the peace and quiet so I don’t think a massive prison bringing more traffic issues would be fair to us.”
Kirsty Sutton, 48, moved to Full Sutton eight years ago, and she has had abuse shouted at her while walking her dogs by people visiting the current prison.
She also feels that her views should have been heard before the plans were confirmed.
She said: “We haven’t heard anything, I’m concerned about the traffic it’s already a busy road.”
“I feel save with the current prison because it’s so secure, with this new one I don’t feel as safe so I am worried about it.”
Justice Secretary Liz Truss announced on Wednesday that four new prisons are to be built across the UK. She believes that people living close by to the new prisons will see benefits.
Ms Truss said: “This significant building programme will not only help create a modern prison estate where wholescale reform can truly take root but will also provide a thriving, economic lifeline for the local community, creating hundreds of jobs for local people and maximising opportunities for businesses.”
Jerry Barley another resident of Full Sutton believes that these benefits will be a good thing for the village and the surrounding areas.
He said: “I don’t have any problems at all with it, you can’t see the prison anyway and it will be good for jobs. The building work won’t last for long so I have no concerns with it.”
The proposed prison plan in Full Sutton is subject to planning approval.