The axe has finally fallen on Noranside open jail in Angus after a Scottish Prison Service (SPS) closure announcement described as “criminal” by one local politician.
Eight months of uncertainly over the future of the prison north of Forfar was ended by SPS confirmation of an October 31 closure date by which time inmates will have transferred to what will become Scotland’s only open jail at Castle Huntly, near Dundee.
The SPS says the move is being made on best value grounds and has emphasised there will be no compulsory redundancies among staff, with prison officers being offered the chance of redeployment at other Scottish facilities or voluntary severance.
However, the closure announcement drew an angry reaction both at a local level and from the Prison Officers’ Association Scotland (POAS), which said Noranside’s contribution to the prison service nationally should have been recognised with investment.
The proposal to close HMP Noranside was first announced last December weeks after fears over its future were dismissed as “groundless.”
Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill raised campaigners’ hopes when he intervened to call for a mini-review of the SPS estate, but any prospect of the jail remaining open was extinguished after senior SPS figures travelled to Angus to break the news to Noranside staff yesterday morning.
The SPS said, “Given the strict criteria now applied in the interests of public safety in the selection of offenders before they move to the open estate, the numbers qualifying to go to open conditions have reduced and the facility at Noranside is now surplus to requirements.
“The facility is not suitable to house any other type of prisoner without substantial investment. SPS are satisfied that the criteria and procedures applied (for the open estate) are the right ones to protect the public.
“There will be sufficient capacity at Castle Huntly to accommodate those prisoners eligible for the open estate.”
SPS chief executive John Ewing said, “SPS is committed to delivering a modern offender management regime that supports the Scottish Government’s reducing reoffending agenda and contributes to public protection.Best value”I did not take lightly the decision to close Noranside, but the SPS has a duty to secure the best value for taxpayers’ money.
“The hard-working, dedicated and professional team at Noranside will be given the opportunity to transfer to other parts of the estate or to opt for voluntary early severance but there will be no compulsory redundancies.”
Kirriemuir councillor Iain Gaul, a former Noranside visiting committee member, said the decision was illogical.
“Having witnessed first hand the excellent work of the prison officers and some of the silly decisions that SPS senior managers made, I can only describe this decision as criminal.”
“Who is going to buy Noranside and what for? It costs a lot of money to mothball buildings like this and I just cannot see the logic in this decision.”
POAS national chairman Phil Fairlie said, “We are dismayed that in spite of the level of support shown for retaining HMP Noranside throughout our campaign, that the board have reached this conclusion.
“We remain convinced that Noranside should continue to play its successful role in the management of prisoners prior to being released into the wider community. Our initial response is to digest the announcement and discuss the outcome with our members at Noranside.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes MSP said, “Rehabilitation is an important part of protecting communities and reducing reoffending.
“Its (Noranside’s) closure will diminish the prison service in Scotland and could lead to more reoffending and more crime.”
Angus South MSP Graeme Dey said, “This is deeply disappointing news.
“Although Noranside is located in an adjoining constituency, a considerable number of the prison officers and their families live in Angus South and I am concerned for all those involved.”