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Lancaster in running for new £350 million prison
A GIANT 'Titan' prison with room for up to 2,500 inmates could be built in Lancaster.
Lancaster City Council has invited the Government to consider the city as a site for one of three 350 million prisons it says are needed by 2014 to help relieve problems of overcrowding at existing facilities.
In a letter to the prison service seen by the Lancaster Guardian, the council's director of regeneration, Heather McManus, suggests the prison could be built on land north of the Lancaster Farms young offenders institution.
The council says a new facility would enable it to close the existing prison at Lancaster Castle which could then be turned into a major tourist attraction.
In a letter to councillors, Mark Cullinan, the authority's chief executive, said it would also create new jobs.
Latest figures show Lancaster Castle currently houses 234 lower-level category C offenders but 'Titan' prisons could hold more dangerous criminals like murderers and rapists.
Lancaster's Green group leader, Coun Chris Coates, hit out at the plan and criticised the council for writing to the Government without first consulting councillors.
He said: "These proposals for mega prisons fly in the face of evidence that smaller prisons work better than large ones.
"It shows putting resources into rehabilitation and stronger community supervision through the probation service would be more effective in reducing re-offending levels."
But Mr Cullinan said the council's economic regeneration strategy mentioned the potential for Lancaster Castle to be transformed into a tourist attraction, acknowledging that the prison would have to be re-located to achieve this and safeguard jobs.
He added: "This matter will be formally reported to members for consideration, with the appropriate information, should we reach the point that a decision is required."
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Weather for Lancaster
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
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