Prison plan backed by councillors

Plans for a new government-run prison have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

The prison, which would hold up to 1,600 inmates, is planned for the site by the existing Featherstone Prison.

Brinsford Young Offenders Institution is also on the site near Wolverhampton, and the two buildings currently hold more than 1,000 inmates.

Despite some complaints from local residents, South Staffordshire Council backed the scheme.

The planning application for the category B, medium-security, jail had been submitted by the Ministry of Justice.