A PUBLIC inquiry into controversial plans to turn Middleton Towers into a prison has been fixed for October 28. A team of inspectors from the Department of Environment will meet at Morecambe Town Hall to thrash out the pros and cons of turning the former Pontin's Holiday Camp into a category C prison. The investigation, which is expected to last about five days, comes almost 11 months since the original application was first lodged with Lancaster City Council. In March local councillors threw out the plans by 16 votes to one which meant the Prison Service had to refer the matter to the Department of Environment.

There has been furious opposition to the plans from members of the Middleton Action Group Against Prison in our Environment (MAGPIE). They will resurrect their campaign and vow to fight against the plans until the bitter end.

Barbara Williams, chairman of MAGPIE, reiterated their objections. "It is clearly not a suitable site for a prison, everyone is against it. Middleton is a holiday and recreational area," she protested.

The plans would mean between 400 and 700 prisoners would be drafted into the area and many local residents fear prisoners coming to the end of long sentences for murder and rape would become their next door neighbours.

"We're also worried about crime levels which are sure to rise with people visiting the prison," added Barbara.

Heysham Cllr Geoff Knight said: "I hope the public inquiry listens to the concerns expressed by the residents of Heysham and Middleton and as a result the Prison Service abandons its plans for the location of the prison."

Morecambe MP Geraldine Smith said she was petitioning the Government's minister in charge of prisons Joyce Quinn to visit Middleton Towers.

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