PRESS RELEASE

October 22nd, 2008

MSP demands meeting over prison switch

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is to meet with prison bosses over the re-siting of HMP Greenock.

The Scottish Prison Service announced this week it is to close HMP Greenock and build a new prison in or near Inverclyde.

Some media reports had suggested that the prison would be moved to Paisley.

SPS bosses claim they are still looking for potential sites but insist a new site is necessary because the existing location does not support redevelopment alongside normal prison operations.

Mr McNeil now plans to meet with SPS bosses over the new prison.

He said: “I have written to the Scottish Prison Service to request a meeting with their chief executive over the re-siting of the prison.

"We need to act fast to make sure that this prison, with the jobs and other economic benefits it brings, are not lost to Greenock.

"I have also made contact with the council and our partners to get everyone on board and ensure there is no prevarication on our part.

"Greenock has co-existed with this prison successfully for a number of years so there is no reason why we should allow that to end."

ENDS