Stevenson Reveals That North Prison Plans Are Being Prepared

Banff and Buchan MSP, Stewart Stevenson, who has campaigned with the Prison Officers Partners and other community groups to save Peterhead Prison revealed that a proposal is being developed to address the need for new prison facilities in the North-East.

Speaking from his constituency today Stevenson said:

"The Scottish Prison Service have confirmed to me that early work is underway to respond to the consultation on North-East prisons.

"When the input from the new Criminal Justice Authorities is available later this year, the final piece in the jigsaw will be in place.

"The delays have been considerable and unsettling for all concerned so today's news is very welcome.

"But the planning now being undertaken must be translated quickly into a funded committment to prison places in new premises. I have been assured that should no decision be made by this government, a proposal will be waiting for a new minister after the May 2007 election.

"People in the North-East know how hard the SNP have campaigned on this subject. They can be sure of a rapid response from an SNP Justice Minister next year.

"But a decision before the election by the present government can end this unnecessary delay. This is a key test of the Labour-Lib Dem government's committment to the criminal justice system and to the prison service staff employed in our area."