New call for residential centre for female offenders

A RESIDENTIAL centre for female offenders should be prioritised in Swansea, an MP has said.

- RICHARD YOULE Senior local democracy reporter

Ruth Jones, chairwoman of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, called on Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, to press ahead with plans set out by the previous Conservative UK Government for such a facility in Cockett.

The proposed residential centre at the Trehafod building, which is within the grounds of the Cefn Coed Hospital site, would provide support for up to 12 low-level female offenders and be staffed 24/7 by the prison and probation service.

Supporters say centres like this are more effective and a cheaper way of reducing re-offending than short prison sentences.