17 September 2007

Byrne keeps pressure on Straw to keep probation centre out of Shard End

Liam Byrne MP has gone back to the top of government as part of the local campaign to fight a new probation centre in Kitts Green, Shard End.

Liam has now spoken again to Jack Straw reiterating that he and local residents will not take the proposals lying down. The Hodge Hill MP discussed the plans with the Secretary of State for Justice during a conference call from his own constituency office in Blackburn . Liam emphasised that the site for the probation centre must be moved out of people's neighbourhoods and away from local schools .

Liam said:

“I am very grateful to Jack for listening to my concerns and those of my constituents. What we need now are actions and not words, it is clear there can only be one happy outcome to this situation and that is to see a change to the current plans and for the probation centre to be elsewhere.”

Liam was assured by Mr Straw that he will thoroughly explore all options and has offered to send justice minister, David Hanson MP , to meet those residents who have been leading a protest against the centre.