FOLLOWING the public outrage over the merging of Blakenhurst, Brockhill and Hewell Grange prisons into HMP Redditch, a new name has been chosen - HMP Hewell.

When the Advertiser first broke the news that the prisons were to be renamed, there was an outcry from thousands of people, including MPs, councillors and members of the public.

Several people from within the prisons even contacted us to say how surprised and disgusted they were with the choice of name, considering the prisons are not actually located in Redditch.

Now, after almost two months of waiting and an extended consultation period, Justice Minister David Hanson MP has announced the new name.

Jacqui Smith, Home Secretary and Redditch MP, who made representations for the name to be re-thought, said: "I'm delighted that another good campaign won the day.

"By asking the right questions of the right people at the right time, we got the answer we wanted.

"Worcestershire County Council was asked about the original name and did virtually nothing to check out what would be acceptable.

"Now that situation has been put right with thousands of people submitting their views.

"I passed the responses on to the prison service with a decisive rejection of Redditch and supporting Hewell. Thanks to everyone who took part we got our way."

She added: "I think HMP Hewell is a much better name."

Mr Hanson said: "The extended consultation reflected the significant local interest in the naming of the prison, and I would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation.

"A huge number of suggestions for a new name were received and the final choice reflects the site's history and location while creating a new identity for this new prison.

"The merger will enable more efficient and effective use of resources while meeting the needs of prisoners and maintaining public protection."