MEMBERS of the community have welcomed plans to convert HMP Haverigg into an open prison and double its capacity.

Prisoner numbers at Haverigg will double from 268 to 570 later this year after the Ministry of Justice announced the facility will be re-categorised as an open prison.

As a Category D open prison offenders approaching the end of their sentence will be given the chance to reintegrate into society and spend time in the community.

The jail is on the site of an old RAF training centre and was converted to a prison in 1967.

Space from the disused sleeping quarters will be brought back into use to make room for the expansion.

Copeand MP Trudy Harrison said rehabilitation was a key part of the justice system.

“I have visited HMP Haverigg many times and have seen the professionalism and dedication of officers and staff," she said.

“Innovative programmes such as the woodwork enterprise, the smokery - where local produce is smoked and sold at shows - and the first prison Park Run are testament to the support provided to inmates from Governor Tony Corcoran and his team.

"They are committed to rehabilitating and providing life skills to inmates and benefitting the community of South Copeland.”

Millom's deputy mayor Ruth Peters echoed the MP's outlook.

"I do believe that prisoners should be given a chance and should be allowed to rehabilitate into the community," she said.

In 2018 7,724 prisoners in the UK were allowed to spend time in the community through Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL).

Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said ROTL had 'proven benefits in terms of preparing prisoners for a crime-free life'.

“There is much further to go - prisoners are serving longer sentences than ever before, and these changes will mainly benefit only the minority who have managed to get to an open prison towards the very end of their time inside,” he added.