No Bail Hostel for Basildon.
ClearSprings abandons attempt for Bail Hostel in Vange

Stephen Metcalfe, Prospective Conservative MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock has welcomed the news that ClearSprings has withdrawn from it attempt to create a Bail Hostel in the middle of a residential area.

ClearSprings has decided that the premises were unsuitable and have pulled out. They have however confirmed that they are still being asked to find a suitable site for a bail hostel in the Basildon Area.

The initial proposal received almost universal condemnation when it was first proposed last week. Immediately the local Conservative team swung into action to fight the proposal; John Baron MP raised local concerns with Ministers in the House of Commons and with ClearSprings itself and Luke Mackenzie, Conservative Candidate in Vange started going door to door with a petition and highlighting the issue for local residents.

As local resident, Julie Barber said: “I find it incredible that anyone who knows this area could think that putting what is in effect an open prison in a residential area would be a good idea.”

Stephen Metcalfe agreed and said: “We will ALL continue to fight these bail hostels being imposed on us in inappropriate places. This is just an attempt by the Government to cover up its failed prisons policy. A policy which has led to large numbers of criminals being released from prison early, who then only go on to offend again.”

“Once we have a proper Conservative Government we will make sure we have enough prison place in the system to ensure that dangerous criminals are where they belong - behind bars and not shacked up in the middle of quiet residential areas.”

Posted 19/3/08

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