'A victory for the community and for common sense' - that is how the Leader of Dover District Council described the major news on Friday that controversial plans to turn Connaught Barracks into an open prison are not going ahead.
Home Secretary John Reid said he made the decision after hearing powerful arguments against the plans from campaigners in the town. He said the issue of families of soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan living near the barracks, and their children going to school nearby, was a prominent factor.
The news follows extensive campaigning by local people and partners in the community, including Dover District Council and MP Gwyn Prosser. Council representatives met with the Home Secretary and the Prison Minister, and Full Council gave unanimous backing to pursue legal action if necessary.
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: "We are jubilant at this news, this really is a victory for the community and for common sense. This has been a community led, cross party campaign and we are delighted at the successful outcome. This means this key strategic site will now be available to be part of the regeneration of Dover and we are in discussions with SEEDA and English Partnerships to continue to move forward for the future of the town."
