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| Stephen with local residents petitioning for the relocation of Bail House |
Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, rose on the floor of the House of Commons
yesterday to urge the Secretary of State for Justice to work with him to move
the controversial Bail House.
The location of the Hostel,
also known as Felmores Approved Premises, has long been a source of great
contention with local residents who object to sex offenders being housed in a
residential area within the vicinity of a local park and two primary schools.
Mr Metcalfe, who has long
supported the plight of residents, asked the Justice Secretary Chris Grayling
MP: “Felmores approved premises in my constituency is located near a school, a
nursery, a playground and a densely populated housing estate. Does my right hon.
Friend agree that although the provision of such premises is essential, a
location such as the one I have described is inappropriate? Will he encourage
probation trusts to work with the local community to find alternative
locations?”
The Minister responded: “I have a lot of sympathy with my hon. Friend and I
will ask the Minister responsible for prisons and probation whether he will
work with him to look at the situation described. Clearly, it is not sensible
to locate such facilities in highly sensitive locations, although my hon. Friend
will agree that their provision in the community is vital.”
Mr Metcalfe later commented:
“I am grateful to the Council and Essex Probation Services for the work they
have already done on this issue, but It is vital that I keep drawing attention
to this problem at the highest level. As long as it is a problem for residents,
it is a problem for me and I will keep fighting to ensure that the voice of my
constituents is heard.”
“I will ensure that the
Justice Department follow up on their promise to work with me on the
possibility of relocating the Approved Premises. I hope that we can come to a
conclusion that suits all involved and where residents feel safe and secure in
their community.”
