CONVICTED sex offenders could serve the remainder of their custodial sentences at an open prison in Appleton Thorn – despite a commitment from the Government that this would never happen.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) told the Warrington Guardian that the plans were devised for HMP Thorn Cross due to a rise in the number of sex offenders receiving custodial sentences.

The decision has triggered concerns across the village with some fearing their safety could be put in jeopardy.

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Richard Whitehead, 41, whose youngest daughter attends Appleton Thorn Primary School, said: "I find it difficult to believe that this decision has been made in accordance with safeguarding regulations and procedures given how close the prison is to the primary school.

"It shows a complete lack of foresight and it’s putting vulnerable young people in jeopardy.

"I know many parents at the school are shocked by the news. We should not and will not stand for this when there are children involved."

Joseph Ryan, whose son also attends Appleton Thorn Primary, added: “Why would anybody agree to put sex offenders in a open prison near to where my son goes to school. He is aged eight.

“I’m not standing for it and will have to take my child from the school.

"I’m not waiting for the school or HMP to say ‘sorry, we never thought it would happen’.

“It makes no sense why this is the preferred institution.

“It’s dangerous.”

The category D prison previously housed juvenile criminals but age restrictions were removed in August 2012 to allow adults to be imprisoned at the site.

But further changes sparked major concerns in the community after the Warrington Guardian revealed that criminals sentenced to life in prison for the most heinous crimes like murder, manslaughter and arson could be moved to the facility on Arley Road.

It is understood at this time, the public were reassured that those convicted of sex crimes would not be eligible to be moved to the open prison.

Warrington Guardian:

PICTURED: Thorn Cross prison

Former parish councillor Dorothy Edwards, 79, from Appleton Thorn, was shocked to discover that the MoJ had gone back on their word.

She said: "I have been living in the village for almost 50 years and they promised they would never put sex offenders at the prison – that's why they are so upset.

"It's 20 yards away from a school which isn't right."

Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid described the changes to the prison population as 'deeply concerning' in a letter sent to Rory Stewart MP, Minister of State for Justice.

He called for further clarification about the plans after labelling it as 'completely unacceptable' due to the lack of consultation.

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, called for an urgent meeting after he was only made aware of the changes on Tuesday afternoon via a verbal update from the prison.

Cllr Ryan Bate and Cllr Mike Biggin (Grappenhall and Appleton Thorn - LD) added: "We fully share our residents understandable concerns, which given the prison’s proximity to a school seem to go against not only common sense but also a historic commitment made by the Government that no sex offenders would ever be incarcerated at Thorn Cross.

"We will require a great deal of convincing that this change could be made in a way which does not jeopardise the safety of the people of Appleton Thorn."

Since 2010, custodial sentences have increased by more than 20 per cent, with sex offenders facing on average five years in prison.

Warrington Guardian:

The prison is across the road from the primary school. Image: Google Maps

Currently, sex offenders can be held at HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire and HMP North Sea Camp in Lincolnshire but more open prisons are needed to accommodate these offenders.

In response to this, the Justice Secretary has agreed to authorise HMP Hollesley Bay in Suffolk and HMP Thorn Cross to accept men convicted of sexual offences.

This is subject to the agreement of detailed local implementation plans.

The changes are expected to come into force by the end of the year.

A prison service spokesman said: "Under this Government more sex offenders are being convicted and going to prison, and spending longer there.

"The ability to test men in open conditions as they approach the end of their sentence is a critical step in this.

“Anyone who is transferred to open conditions must pass a strict risk-assessment and can be recalled to tougher closed conditions at the first sign of any concern."

The Warrington Guardian has launched a petition calling for the Government to make a u-turn over its plans to house sex offenders at Thorn Cross. Please help to spread the word by signing and sharing the petition here:

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-plans-to-house-sex-offenders-at-thorn-cross-warrington