Prudhoe Prison, Residents are up in arms.

The recent news that the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS foundation trust wish to change the dynamics of their mental health unit at Ferndale in Prudhoe to a medium secure unit has come as a shock to residents.

Their shock has been further enhanced by the news that their local County Councillor, Gordon Stewart is in the Hexham Courant fully supportive of the changes and to discolour the people’s view of the project further concerns expressed on social media by local residents show that Councillor Stewart is a very influential member of the administration at County Hall and the agent for the local MP Guy Opperman. People believe they have been overlooked and the planning permission needed to make this change is already set in stone.

The changes suggested are to make Ferndale into a medium secure unit with provision for inpatient treatment and care for young people with complex mental health problems who have been in contact with the criminal justice system, who present a serious risk to themselves or others and have a reasonable potential to abscond.

Residents of Prudhoe and Wylam area have openly commented on the issue and we believe letters were passed out at this weeks meeting of Prudhoe Town Council to Councillor Stewart making it clear that the residents of this part of the County do not want this change at all.

The only area brought up to speed by the Trust and Councillor Stewart appears to be the residents of Humbles Wood leaving the residents of wider Prudhoe in the dark. A message from one resident asks why those living next to the site in Cottier Grange, Park Lane and Moor Grange weren’t brought in at an early stage and why Prudhoe High School has not been brought in as a prime consultee. They have also asked why these young people aren’t being treated at Netherton Park which is already home to a young persons secure unit.

We’re sure Councillor Stewart and his Campaigning MP will roll out some excuse on social media but really this treatment of residents is undeniably objectionable.