Readers will remember the news announced back in January that as part of a nationwide prison shake-up, Camp Hill site (part of HMP Isle of Wight) is earmarked for closure.
The Minister for prisons, Jeremy Wright, had said in January he hoped there’d be no need for compulsory redundancies, instead offering positions to staff at other prisons or perhaps staff taking voluntary early departure with an enhanced payment.
Petition gathering pace
An e-petition opposing the closure, started by Ben Cooper, Camp Hill Prison Officers Association (POA) branch secretary, has now gathered almost 2,500 signatures, but the target is much higher.
Those opposing the closure say the impact on Islanders working at the prison will be enormous. Families with separated parents, where one parent has to move off the Island to find work at another prison, will find themselves even further separated. Those being forced to commute would be away from families for longer periods.
If you want to add your signature in opposition of the closure, see the ePetition.
Many thanks to Matt Creighton for permission to use this photo of his daughter Holly.
