Lib Dem leader backs campaign against Bishopbriggs prison name

5.30.00pm GMT Tue 6th Jan 2009

Jo has collected over 500 signatures on her own petition against the proposed prison name

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Tavish Scott MSP has backed the campaign against the name 'HM Prison Bishopbriggs' being given to the new prison being built on the site of the town's old Low Moss facility.

Jo Swinson has strongly opposed the proposal and has gathered over 500 signatures from Bishopbriggs residents against the new name.

Tavish Scott, who visited the site of the new prison today, commented:

"Local residents have made it clear they are against the name of the new prison, but the Scottish Prison Service has so far been unresponsive to their protests.

"Against the backdrop of strong local opposition, there is clearly a need for the Justice Secretary to intervene by scrapping the proposal for the new prison name."

Jo Swinson said:

"Local opposition to the name 'HM Prison Bishopbriggs' is running high. My own petition has passed the 500 name mark and is continuing to gather support. Residents do not want this prison to be the first thing people associate with Bishopbriggs.

"The Justice Secretary's silence in the face of local protests shows a complete disregard for the wishes of Bishopbriggs residents. The longer this goes on, the harder it will be to justify this ridiculous decision.

"The new prison is expected to open in 2011. If the Justice Secretary and Prison Service continue to ignore the views of people in Bishopbriggs, they are in for a very long couple of years."

Related Link:

Woodhill Residents Group petition against the name HM Prison Bishopbriggs