On Tuesday, Richard Holden MP expressed his dismay to Justice Minister Kit Malthouse at the idea for a high-risk offender centre being based in the heart of Consett. Richard made clear at their meeting in Parliament, that the Highfield House site on Parliament Street in Consett is wholly unsuitable for accommodation for high and very high-risk offenders released on licence.
Richard highlighted three main concerns:
- Highfield House is in the centre of a densely populated residential area.
- The site is also literally yards from numerous education facilities, including Delta North School and Derwentside College.
- Furthermore, the site is also within a stone’s throw of important youth community facilities including the 1St Consett Scout Group HQ and 1309 Consett Air Cadets and Durham Army Cadets.
At the culmination of Richard Holden MP and the Minister’s meeting, the Minister did make clear that no final decision had yet been made. It is very much Richard Holden’s intention that Highfield House be ruled out of consideration for use as such a facility.
Commenting, Richard Holden MP, said:
“Everyone wants those who have served their sentences to be able to rebuild their lives and have a second chance. However, putting high and very-high risk offenders right in the heart of a small town near so many important local facilities would be totally inappropriate.”
“I have made representations on behalf of local people and hope that Ministers will listen to these very clear concerns and provide an alternative facility elsewhere that is nearer to the specialist support that these people require.”