Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Bail hostel to open

14/ 5/2008

A BAIL hostel to house defendants awaiting sentencing is due to be opened in Accrington.

Essex-based ClearSprings plans to open the facilities somewhere in the town – but the location is still under wraps.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said he was appalled that no consultation had taken place with the council, despite being contractually obliged to consult in areas where bail hostels are planned.

He said: “It is not welcome in this borough. I think it is very worrying for residents and we don’t know where they are planning to put it.

“I’m sure that we already house enough categories of people in this borough and they should look elsewhere.”

According to the Ministry of Justice, which appoints ClearSprings, around 400 people will be accommodated in 150 properties across England and Wales by the end of June.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said he thought it was shocking and said he would work closely with Councillor Britcliffe.

He said: “My understanding is that this consultation hasn’t taken place and Councillor Peter Britcliffe is extremely concerned about it.

“I want to assure him that we are in complete agreement.

“It’s not a political issue and we will work together to resolve the issue.

“I have been speaking with Justice Minister Jack Straw about it and I’m hoping to speak with him again soon.

“He is making it a matter of urgency.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “ClearSprings is under a contractual obligation to consult in areas where they are to open bail accommodation. Any reports that it has failed to do so will be investigated.

“The scheme will support the efficient use of public resources by saving prison places and costs of court escorts and visits to prisons.