Questions are being asked as to whether the Camp Hill prison site, which closed back in 2013, would be sold as part of a wider plan by the Government to sell off “Victorian” jails for housing.
The Government have announced today (Monday) plans to open nine new prisons in England and Wales, replacing outdated prisons with “new facilities fit for the modern world”.
OnTheWight got in touch with the MoJ to get more detail. A spokesperson told us,
“We’ll be letting people know in due course, but there is no definitive decision yet.”
Gove: “New facilities fit for the modern world”
The prison plans form part of the Chancellor’s budget review announcement, due on 25th November.
Justice Secretary Michael Gove said:
“This investment will mean we can replace ageing and ineffective Victorian prisons with new facilities fit for the modern world.
“We will be able to design out the dark corners which too often facilitate violence and drug-taking.
“And we will be able to build a prison estate which allows prisoners to be rehabilitated, so they turn away from crime.
“It is only through better rehabilitation that we will reduce reoffending, cut crime and make our streets safer.”
“2,000 space Titan prisons do not work”
Camp Hill Prison was de-commissioned in April 2013.
At the time an online petition attracted 2,524 signatures to keep the prison open, arguing,
“The closure of Camphill site at HMP Isle of Wight should be debated in parliament. Camphill was a level 3 performing prison carrying out its role to a good standard.
Camphill site should remain open and the effect of the local economy as a result of the closure should be reviewed.
“2,000 space Titan prisons do not work and local community prisons do, this should be discussed by the government.”
