ABOUT 1,500 people have now backed a residents’ campaign against Government plans to build a prison in Wickford.

Worried residents, from the Essex Against Prisons group, descended on Wickford High Street two weeks ago to seek support from the public.

About 700 shoppers and shopkeepers signed a petition against the plans for a 1,500-capacity prison on the site of Runwell Hospital, in Runwell Road, Wickford.

Campaign leader Bernie Bentley, 44, of Highcliffe Road, Wickford, said people had since taken petitions home or to work and have now collected more than 1,000 signatures.

This comes on top of 490 people who have signed an online petition, organised by the same campaigners, on the 10 Downing Street website.

Mrs Bentley said: “More and more people are signing up, and others have been taking away petitions and getting their friends, family or work colleagues to sign up.

“We know we’ve got a massive fight on our hands over this, because it is obviously something the Government wants, but I’m hoping, if we build up enough opposition from local people, they will have to listen.”

Mrs Bentley e-mailed Billericay MP John Baron to ask him to support the campaign. In his e-mailed response, sent to her yesterday, he said: “I have met with the minister to impress upon him the importance of a genuine consultation.”

Mr Baron filed a Freedom of Information request to find out if the Government planned to build a prison in Wickford, before Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced the plans two months ago.

He is now calling on the Government to hold a full public consultation to give local people a chance to express their views.

The proposed prison site had previously been earmarked for 624 homes, a primary school and a doctor’s surgery. Councillors and residents are worried developers will back away from investing in Wickford, and house prices could be affected, if the prison goes ahead.

To sign the petition, visit www.number10.gov.uk or look up the Essex Against Prisons group on www.facebook.com