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PROTESTORS BLOCK ESCAPE OF PRISONS MINISTER 

The Prisons minister Gerry Sutcliffe, got a taste of life behind bars when protesters fighting plans for an open prison on the former Connaught Barracks in Dover blocked the exit to the proposed site when he visited on Thursday (5 October).

In the pouring rain the government minister was unable to leave the barracks until Dover MP Gwyn Prosser, braved the elements and negotiated with the angry demonstrators, while the minister sat, reading his papers in the back of the car. 

There were no police on duty to oversee the demonstration of some 50 protestors and to clear a passage for the minister to drive out of the former barracks.

He toured the building with Dover MP Gwyn Prosser before meeting councillors and community groups. Later, he said a decision would be made "within days". 

The MP, the council and residents have opposed the government plans. More than 11,000 people have signed a petition. 

A respected source indicated to the Gazette that they hold out little hope the plans will be dropped. It was announced this week that Stanford Hill Prison at Eastchurch in North Kent may be upgraded to a category 'C' gaol which could see a large number of category 'D' inmates needing to be dispersed to other open prisons in the area.