In a statement issued today Kevin expressed concern at the suggestion that an incoming Justice Minister should purely be asked to rubberstamp any proposals put forward by the Scottish Prison Service for the future of Noranside Open Prison:
"In Angus alone 36 people are employed at Noranside and at least twenty six companies are involved in providing contracts to the prison, with a further fourty three companies being involved locally in providing services to the prison. Clearly Noranside has played an important role in the local economy and community and its future deserves the widest possible debate with community and business organisations.
"Even if the decision of the review team is to retain Noranside the community should be involved in discussing how best to utilise the services it can provide to the local area, be it in land reclamation projects, the development of nature trails or other vital community service. Whatever is decided, a sustainable way forward needs to be found in the best interests of all.
"While I am pleased that Kenny MacAskill, MSP, the Justice Minister, has called for a mini review I still have to see genuine evidence of plans for community involvement in the consultation process. What also concerns me is that Nigel Ironside, the Deputy Director of Prisons has said to me that he will only carry out a full impact assessment on the local economy and community once a decision is made.
"There is still much room for debate and discussion with the communities of Forfar, Brechin and Angus. Any case for retention or closure should clearly not be made in isolation as much could be gained from the genuine involvement of all of the local community."
