Dagenham prison plan under attack

Boris Johnson was today urged to drop plans to build a new prison in Dagenham.

The London Assembly agreed a motion calling for alternative plans to regenerate the area to be drawn up.

The motion was proposed by Tory Assembly Member Andrew Boff after receiving negative feedback about the facility after a 5,000-leaflet campaign in Dagenham.

Mr Boff said: "South Dagenham has been ignored for too long and desperately needs an injection of hope.

"If this prison is allowed to go ahead, it will muscle out other much-needed proposals, which meet the aspirations for regenerating the area.

"I strongly urge the Mayor to reject these plans."

Labour MP for Dagenham Jon Cruddas also said he was opposed to the plans and was setting up a website to let local people air their views.

However, others have suggested a new prison could mean the Mayor is forced to revive plans for a DLR extension so staff and visitors can travel more easily.

The new prison is set to house 1,500 inmates.