VILLAGERS in Middleton battling to stop a former holiday camp being turned into a prison have launched a fund-raising drive to fight the case at a public inquiry. Members of the Middleton Action Group against a Prison in our Environment (MAGPIE) are holding a gala day on September 6 on the village green. The action group collated 400 letters and signatures to block the controversial plans to turn Middleton Towers into a grade C category nick. Now, the matter has been referred to a public inquiry to be held in October.

Campaigner Barbara Williams said: "As a group we have very little money and we need to start raising funds to fight the plans." Meanwhile prisons minister Joyce Quinn went on a fact finding visit to Middleton Towers with Morecambe's MP Geraldine Smith last Thursday to see the site for herself.

The minister stopped off in North Lancashire for an hour. She expressed concerns about the security of the chalets which will be used as cells, conversion costs, traffic implications and the site's proximity to a nuclear power station. Geraldine explained: "She did not seem to think it was an ideal site for a prison and I hope the visit has done some good in persuading the Home Office to look elsewhere. It was a sunny day and she was impressed with the countryside and the views of Middleton sands, Lancaster and the Ashton memorial." Geraldine said she was optimistic that high conversion costs and strong local opposition will succeed in blocking the plans.

The MAGPIE's gala day includes craft stalls, face painting, clowns tombolas, a grand raffle and a pin the tail on Tony Blair game. Ring Barbara on 854752 to hire a stall.

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