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Shepton Mallet prison to close under 'super-prison' plans
The Ministry of Justice has said that Shepton Mallet in Somerset is one of six prisons that will close in England under plans to build a so-called super-prison.
It's the oldest working prison in the country.
Some 2,600 offenders are held at the prisons targeted for closure, plus three sites which will be partially shut down.
Prisons at Bullwood Hall, Canterbury, Gloucester, Kingston, Shepton Mallet and Shrewsbury will close, while Chelmsford, Hull and Isle of Wight will see some accommodation reduced.
A feasibility study on what would be Britain's largest prison in London, the North West or North Wales, holding more than 2,000 prisoners, is also to begin, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said.
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Government to close Shepton Mallet prison
The Government has announced Shepton Mallet prison in Somerset is one of several prisons to be closed across the country.
It's part of programme to update Britain’s prison estate and is part of the Government’s drive to build new capacity to replace older prisons and so bring down the cost of operating the prison system.
It is expected to save £63 million a year.
Fuel Tax : full report
by Jonathan GibsonThere are calls for the Government to do more to help motorists by reducing its share of the cost of a litre of petrol.
The Taxpayers' Alliance say independent retailers in the South West are being unfairly blamed for prices when, in fact, many are struggling to survive.
Former Royal Marine says disability allowance cuts are 'a joke': Full report
by Eli-Louise WringeBen McBean from Plymouth lost a leg and an arm in Afghanistan. He could lose his weekly allowance and says he can only get about in constant pain on an artificial limb he had to buy himself. Eli-Louise Wringe has the story.
Minister says allowance will go to those who 'face the biggest challenges'
Maria Miller MP, Minister for Disabled People, says it is important that people who no longer need help have their benefits stopped
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Pasty Tax Protest: Full Report
by Bob ConstantineBob Constantine reports on the pasty makers from Cornwall who travelled to Westminster today to join a demonstration over what's become known as "the pasty Tax". A petition calling for the 20 per cent levy on hot savouries to be scrapped was handed in to Downing Street.
Hundreds of bakers in Downing Street protest
Pasty makers from Cornwall have been in London protesting at government plans for a so-called 'Pasty Tax'.
Read the full storyOver 300 pasty manufacturers to protest outside Downing Street today
More than 300 pasty manufacturers will be protesting outside Downing Street against the new 'Pasty Tax' this morning. Representatives from the baking industry will be joined by Cornish MPs. They'll present a petition of almost 500 thousand signatures against the move.
Government to go-ahead with 'pasty tax'
The Government has pledged to go-ahead with its so-called 'pasty tax', despite a huge campaign in the West Country against it. It's planning to slap 20% VAT on hot pies and pasties. Jacquie Bird has this report.
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