A MUM has launched an online campaign to show the Government just how unhappy residents are about plans to build a prison in Wickford.

Bernie Bentley, 43, was enraged when she read in the Echo about the Ministry of Justice’s plans to build a prison for 1,500 convicts on the Runwell Hospital site.

The mother-of-one, who works for a recruitment company, decided to harness the power of the web and set up a protest group on the social networking site, Facebook.

She launched a group called Essex Against Prisons and it has attracted about 40 members in its first week.

Mrs Bentley, of Highcliffe Close, Wickford, said: “People are too complacent. They won’t do anything until the prison is already installed.

“That’s why I set this group up and I want people to go online and sign up so it’s a petition.

“If more people do, surely that will help us get our message across.”

The passionate resident explained why she thinks the prison would be so bad for her area.

She said: “Wickford is starved of schools, doctors surgeries and care homes. If they are going to build anything, it should be one of those.

“Building a prison can only have a negative effect and this comes when we’re already seeing signs of depression in the town. There are rows of shops standing empty in the Ladygate Centre.”

She also criticised the council for promoting new flats and penthouse apartments in the town which she believes no one will want to live in if a prison is built.

Mrs Bentley added: “I know people who will want to move away, but they won’t be able to sell, because who would want to live by a prison?”

Basildon Council has vowed to work with Chelmsford Council to oppose the scheme. The proposed site comes under Chelmsford’s control so it will end up considering any future planning application.

Basildon Council leader Malcolm Buckley, who is also a Wickford Castledon councillor, said he welcomed Mrs Bentley’s efforts.

He said: “I have been notified about the petition and intend to sign up and would encourage other people to do likewise.

“A loud voice needs to be heard by the Government before it makes its final decision about the prison.”

Tony Ball, deputy leader and Wickford North councillor, added: “Any campaign against the prison has got to be a good thing.

“I will certainly look into signing up.”

The prison is one of five new UK jails across England and Wales announced by the Government last month.