Prisoners could help build homes

INMATES from the UK’s largest prison could be used to help refurbish a traveller site in Flintshire, it’s been revealed.

Discussions have been held between Flintshire Council and HMP Berwyn in Wrexham about the possiblity of prisoners working on building projects, including the construction of timber-frame homes.

One idea put forward was for inmates to be involved in the proposed renovation of the local authority-run Riverside traveller site in Queensferry.

The potential collaboration was detailed in a report highlighting the council’s work to create more timber-frame buildings to meet the demand for housing.

Neal Cockerton, Flintshire Council’s chief officer for housing and assets, said it was also hoped the partnership would ease community relations.

In the report, he said: “Flintshire has recently begun early dialogue around the principle of working with HMP Berwyn and a private sponsor to build timber-frame buildings or pods for either existing projects or for the planned refurbishment of the Riverside traveller site in Queensferry.

“The project could support affordable housing being built by the men at Berwyn, so giving them realistic prospects of future employment... Working with Berwyn on the Riverside development may also break down any perceived barriers between the gypsy and traveller community, the settled community and men serving custodial sentence.”

The report will be considered by the council next week.