ULNES WALTON PARISH COUNCIL

17 August 2004

Parish Councillor David Williams recently met with residents to discuss the planned screening programme for HMP Wymott the following notes reflect the discussions at the meeting.

Meeting To Discuss The Screening Of HMP Wymott – 17 August 2004

Aim
To achieve a general consensus on the screening with regard to

1. The perimeter fence
2. Additional planting

Notes on the above meeting.

The meeting was attended by myself, Helen (taking notes) and eight other local residents.

After a brief introduction and apologies for only posting flyers to specific houses, the two aims of the meeting were outlined, those being: to agree a general consensus on enhancement to the perimeter fence (or otherwise); and additional planting.

The lie of the land and fence was described using a map provided by the architects.

At this point, an opportunity was given for everyone to voice his or her opinion. These ranged from “I’ve lived here for 25 years – it did not bother me then and it doesn’t bother me now” to “When I moved here, there were no plans for the extension at Wymott – now prisoners can look into my bedroom”, with various opinions in between.

Using a simple voting system it was agreed that:

• Any “enhancement” to the perimeter fence using corrugated iron would be objectionable and should not be encouraged. Whilst there was some support for use of alternative materials (such as a mesh) being attached to the fence this was not popular.
• There was overwhelming support for use of shrubs and trees to be used to screen the fence. Generally, the more mature trees should be placed so they break up the “line-of-sight” perception for those properties whose owner’s feel they feel are directly viewed by prisoners from Wymott Prison as a whole, and not just those affected by the most recent build.
  
  The owners affected agreed to be consulted and to assist with the positioning of the largest plants to avoid plants being put in the wrong places.

Notably, a number of folk said they had witnessed events where “outsiders” have been seen throwing objects (packages of drugs were mentioned) into the Wymott Prison grounds. This has become more frequent in recent months. It was agreed that this is a threat to the local community as well as the Prison Service and everyone agreed that screening should enhance and not compromise security.

It would be welcomed if some planting can be improved by using “raised mounds”, however not to the detriment of security or needing large fences to secure the area (e.g. see areas around the pond alongside Moss Lane).

A concern was raised that any land used for planting may become “unsightly”. It would be appreciated where shrubs and trees are planted then the land is tended (i.e. either grass and weeds are removed or kept short). 

It was noted that local children and youths use the grassed area alongside to the perimeter fence and Willow Road as a games/play area. It was felt that the impact on the children would not be detrimental providing the children were encouraged to use other local existing facilities (such as the park).

AOB – as an aside, concerns were raised regarding:

• Noise from Wymott, particularly from the sports pitches. Also noise occurring during the evenings when prisoners shout to each other out of windows. (It was mentioned that a new type of cell window had been installed into the new building to try and hinder this activity. This type of window may be installed into the remaining blocks.)
• Security (such as objects being thrown over the perimeter fences).

In both cases, it was advised that the duty gatekeeper at Wymott should be informed and if the result is not satisfactory then an attempt should be made to contact the duty governor.  For the latter point, the police should also be informed.

The Parish Council has been requested to confirm the telephone numbers for the gatekeeper and duty governor and publish these on its web site.