MP given pledge on security at Featherstone prison
Security fencing will remain in place around HMP Featherstone despite a decision to turn part of the jail into an open prison, it has emerged.
And bosses have made a promise that no sex offenders will be housed in the open section of the prison.
They have also agreed to meet with councillors once every four months to discuss how the changes to the jail are affecting residents.
Parish and district councillors met with Justice Minister Jeremy Wright at the jail yesterday to voice concerns about security measures.
The meeting was organised my South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson, who had previously labelled a lack of consultation with residents about changes to the prison as "disgraceful".
Mr Williamson said Mr Wright had promised action on some of the points residents had been concerned about.
He said: "We have been given a lot of reassurances about the fence around the prison remaining in place and making sure that prisoners are not coming and going as and when they please.
"We were also given reassurances over sex offenders not being given open prison conditions. There is going to be a consultation group set-up consisting of council representatives to meet with the prison."
