PRESS RELEASE

February 16th, 2009

Prison set to stay in Inverclyde

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has welcomed news that the replacement prison for HMP Gateside is set to stay in Inverclyde.

The MSP was responding two media reports that the Scottish Prison Service had earmarked two sites within the area for the new prison.

Mr McNeil believes it is important that the area retain the jobs and economic ebenfits that the prison brings.

He said: “When the closure of HMP Gateside was announced in October 2008, I made representations to the Scottish Prison Service that any new facility should remain In Inverclyde.

“Given that we have lived side by side with the prison for many years, the 180 jobs that it brings and the other financial benefits that go with building and operating this facility, it is right that we should look to retain it here in Inverclyde.

“When a final decision is made on the site of the prison, I would expect full public engagement and consultation through the planning process.”

ENDS