Braintree & Witham Times 01.11.21

OPPOSITION is growing against plans for newly proposed prisons with residents fearing it will destroy the rural idyll.

The proposal for two prisons at the RAF Wethersfield air base was first announced in September.

If it is approved, the complex will become the largest in the UK, holding around 1,715 male prisoners in each facility, which will be built next to one another.

The largest prison in the UK is Five Wells in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, which is expected to be completed in February and will hold 1,680 inmates.

Construction work on the Wethersfield site could begin as soon as 2023 if the proposals get the go-ahead.

However, hostility towards the plans is heating up with opponents even lobbying the Prime Minister and royalty.

Mark Ault, 56, from Finchingfield, said: “It seems the majority of the general public are not aware of how this will destroy Braintree and the roads around the town.”

Mr Ault has written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Braintree MP James Cleverly and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab, as well as Prince Charles.
In the letter, he explained the history of the area, its rich agricultural past and how the prison would affect the environment.

He said: “I published my letter as I wanted to raise awareness of this pending catastrophe coming to this part of Essex.

“It will be interesting if I get a response to them, if I don’t then it means we have no support from the people we put in power.”

Mr Ault also stressed there is still time for anyone opposed to the plans to make their voices heard.

He said: “I also think there is apathy as people think it’s a done deal, which it’s not.”

The Ministry of Justice is currently conducting a period of consultation which will close on Monday, November 8.

Following this, any views raised will be reviewed before a decision is eventually made.

The Ministry of Justice claims the bid will benefit the area with millions of pounds in investment while also creating thousands of jobs.

You can find out about the proposal at gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-new-prisons-in-wethersfield-public-consultation.

You can express any views you have at consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/proposed-new-prisons-in-wethersfield-
consultation.