PRISONS minister Gerry Sutcliffe will visit Dover on Thursday when he is likely to face the barrage of opposition to Connaught Barracks becoming an open prison.

Dover MP Gwyn Prosser confirmed the minister’s visit this morning.

Mr Sutcliffe will visit the barracks and meet campaigners of all political persuasions who are opposed to the move. They include Burgoyne Heights residents, who fear having 500 prisoners nearby will mean their children cannot play freely on their estate, plus councillors, who feel Dover’s tentative regeneration will be damaged.

Mr Prosser confirmed the minister will also hold a press conference, after meeting with members of an action committee, which has been formed to co-ordinate the town’s opposition.

He is also likely to face questions about the way his department have handled the news that Connaught Barracks was being considered for a prison.

Last Monday, Mr Sutcliffe, assured Mr Prosser that no decision about the barracks had been taken until he made a visit to Dover.

But just two days later, people writing objections to the Home Office were told in a reply that a governor had already been appointed for the new open prison. She is Val Whitecross, who is currently a governor at Dover’s Immigration and Removal Centre.

The Home Office’s letter also stated: "Connaught Barracks provides a range of buildings suitable for accommodating Category D (low security) prisoners.

"It already has a secure fence and would be available for occupation following only minor adjustments. Our plans involve use of the site for up to five years."

A furious Mr Prosser was moved to tell a well-attended public meeting: "The Home Office have shafted me and they have shafted Dover."

He finally received a re-assurance from Mr Sutcliffe that the prison was not a "done deal" and that Ms Whitecross was governor-designate.

On Saturday, hundreds of protestors took to the streets of Dover to protest and a petition, to be presented to Mr Sutcliffe, currently stands at more than 7,000 signatures.