THERE will not be a prison built in Winsford, it has been confirmed.

Winsford MP Antoinette Sandbach blew the whistle earlier this year on potential plans by government to build a prison on Winsford Industrial Estate.

The MP for Eddisbury announced in July that the site was being explored by government and launched a petition to stop a prison being built in Winsford.

Ms Sandbach has now announced that a prison in Winsford is no longer being treated as an option by government., and said she does not regret exposing the plans.

She said: “I am delighted by the Government’s decision not to build a prison in Winsford. This was an ill-conceived plan that left local residents in the dark and I do not regret exposing it.

“Winsford deserves better. We need high quality jobs on our industrial estates and ambition for our community - a prison is not the answer.

“This announcement is a victory for the hundreds of local residents who’ve signed my petition and opposed these dreadful plans. I’m grateful to every local resident that has supported my campaign, signed the petition or discussed this with me in Winsford.”

“The Government has assessed the site and found it to be unsuitable and we’ve made a solid case that it’s not wanted here, this is a victory for common sense and we can now continue to focus on what our town really needs.”

Ms Sandbach has made the announcement after receiving a letter from Sam Gyimah MP, the Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Justice.

In his letter, Mr Gyimah said: “I can confirm that the Ministry of Justice has decided, following an assessment of the Winsford site, not to undertake any further work on this location as it is not viable for prison development.

“The assessment was part of the MoJ’s prison estate transformation where we are looking to identify sites to build new prisons. We are carrying out planning and technical research on a number of sites across the country to enhance our understanding of their potential, access to the site and the environment around them.

“Following this work, we decide which sites look feasible for prison development and which do not.

“This assessment is based on a long list of factors, including affordability and ability to deliver. The Winsford site is no longer part of that assessment process.

“Thanks for representing the views of your constituents so clearly and forcefully.”