A WYCOMBE MP has accused the government of “imposing its pet schemes” on the town by opening a new home for offenders in Castlefield.

Paul Goodman MP wrote to Justice Minister David Hanson asking for assurances violent criminals would not be homed at the controversial house in the High Wycombe suburb.

The scheme allows prisoners eligible for home detention curfew or to be released on bail, but who do not have a home to go to, to be released early into the community.

This week Mr Hanson responded to the letter saying the property would be reserved to house women, and that 60 per cent of people on the ClearSprings scheme nationally are on bail.

In his letter dated February 10 he states several agencies were involved in selecting the site, and that “I would have hoped that the support of police, local council and probation would have met your concerns”.

The letter continues: “It may not always be fully occupied, and the number on bail and home detention curfew will vary over time.

“If those receiving the service do not comply with the rules they can be breached, removed from the property and returned quickly to court or prison. I can assure you that ClearSprings do take such action when necessary.

“Having visited users at a ClearSprings property, my view is that overall this is a very worthwhile service, addressing issues of homelessness, helping people to get back t work and to re-establish family contacts.”

However, Mr Goodman was unhappy with the response, saying Mr Hanson failed to answer his question on how many occupants will be prisoners released on Home Detention Curfew.

He said: “As he's well aware, over 4000 prisoners released early have re-offended, committing over 7000 crimes, including one murder, since his government introduced the scheme.

“You'll also note that Mr Hanson fails to offer any assurance, categorical or otherwise, that no prisoner released into Wycombe under the scheme will re-offend.

“My constituents will rightly conclude that this discredited Government is imposing its pet schemes on Wycombe with a cavalier disregard for public safety.”