VILLAGERS living near Thorn Cross Young Offenders' Institution have condemned proposals to bring adult inmates into the jail.

Insiders at the Appleton Thorn prison have revealed that juvenile prisoners, aged 16-18, could be swapped for more hardened criminals.

Parish councillors and residents living near the Arley Road jail have admitted that they would be worried about their safety.

And the moves could provoke further concern with Appleton Thorn Primary School situated just 200 yards away on Arley Road.

One woman, living on Parkland Close, whose house backs on to Thorn Cross, said: "It's an open prison and I would be worried about older inmates breaking out. We don't want them breaking into our homes. We've seen them climbing over the walls in the past."

It is understood that around 60 adult offenders could arrive as early as September, with the Youth Justice Board withdrawing 57 juvenile prisoners.

If agreed, Thorn Cross could become Warrington's second adult prison along with the town's Category C jail in Risley.

Clr Dot Edwards, parish councillor for Appleton Thorn, said that she was unaware of any negotiations but admitted that she would be concerned with a change of age group.

The Prison Service has confirmed that preliminary negotiations are ongoing about bringing older inmates, aged 21-24, into the prison.

A spokesman said: "Technically, the prison would cease to be a young offenders' institution."

And he admitted that if the changes went ahead, fences or gates could be built to segregate different types of inmates.

Prison officers have called the proposals 'frightening' and claim existing problems with bullying and drugs could double.

A source said: "Potentially, we would be getting the worst type of prisoner in the system. This change would have massive implications. I feel sorry for residents living near the prison."

However, another resident, Colin Rickson, said: "It would be much better with adult prisoners. They are less likely to cause trouble and are a lot more mature."

The Prison Officers' Association has confirmed that it is involved in discussions and has promised to ensure safety measures are considered.

Steve Gough, northern spokesman for the POA, said: "Adult prisoners would come with more problems, but it doesn't mean that Thorn Cross couldn't look after them."

A spokesman for the Youth Justice Board said that it was constantly reviewing accommodation for juveniles, bearing in mind ages and vulnerability, and emphasised the need for inmates to be close to home.