HMP Bishopbriggs: no change from Prison Service – Jo Swinson MP (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

HMP Bishopbriggs: no change from Prison Service – Jo Swinson MP

December 12, 2008 7:58 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

In a letter to Jo Swinson MP, the Scottish Prison Service has confirmed that it is retaining 'HMP Bishopbriggs' as the working title for the new prison at Low Moss, despite growing local protests.

Commenting on the letter, which was received yesterday by Jo Swinson, she said: "I was dismayed to read that the Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Service are still using the working title 'HMP Bishopbriggs' to refer to the new prison. The letter completely fails to acknowledge the strong public feeling against the proposed name and does not rule out that 'HMP Bishopbriggs' will be considered when the final decision on the name is made.Jo Swinson MP

"My written reply to the SPS urges them to change the working title and rule it out as a potential name for the new facility. This is what the local community wants to see and what makes sense for Bishopbriggs. I have also raised the matter again with Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, urging him to take responsibility rather than passing the issue on to the Scottish Prison Service as an 'operational matter'.

"It is vital to put maximum pressure on the Scottish Government to drop these idiotic plans. As well as encouraging people to sign the Woodhill Residents Association petition online, I am going out and about in the community to collect signatures from local residents."