Anger at 'prisoner' house plans

Councillors have been told three people at a time will use the house

A plan for a house in Carmarthenshire to be used for offenders has sparked anger among residents and councillors.

Up to three prisoners eligible for tagging or those on remand or awaiting sentence could use the semi-detached home in a cul-de-sac in Burry Port.

More than 100 residents met on Monday when it was claimed the community had not been properly consulted.

The Ministry of Justice said it would not be used by dangerous offenders and said it was committed to consultation.

The UK government launched the Bail Accommodation and Support Service scheme in England and Wales last year.

It is expected around 500 people will be housed in such accommodation by the summer.

But certain offenders, including all those convicted of or charged with sex offences, arson or who are considered to pose a significant risk to the public, are not eligible.

The meeting was moved to a larger venue because so many attended

There is no requirement for planning permission for such accommodation but the Ministry of Justice said it was committed to talking to local authorities and police.

But county councillor Stephen James claimed there had been little consultation over the use of the semi-detached property at Brynymor.

"The house is on a small little residential cul-de-sac where there are mainly families and elderly people.

"We are about as irate as we can be."

He said they had been told up to three people would stay at the house at any one time and it was expected to be occupied by the end of January.

Mr James said he understood other properties in Carmarthenshire would also be used.

Fellow councillor John Davies said he was "furious" about the plans as the location was "totally inappropriate."

"Public resources"

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the house would be run by a private contractor called Clearsprings, who would take "extensive consultation" with agencies in the area..

"The accommodation will allow courts to bail defendants who are currently unable to provide a bail address or who could not be bailed without support.

"It will also provide accommodation for offenders who are eligible to be released on home detention curfew but lack suitable accommodation.

"This will reduce the loss of liberty and consequent damaging impacts on family life, employment and housing."

The spokesperson said it would also help save on prison places, court escorts and costs of visits to prisons.