MORE than 400 prisoners could be housed at the disused Connaught Barracks at Dover, following official confirmation that the Home Office is considering a prison for the site.

Since news emerged last week the department has refused to comment on the site, but following a meeting between Dover District Council and prison service officials on Wednesday the confirmation the town had been dreading has been received.

The Home Office want to the barracks, which has been empty since the departure of 1 Para in April, as a Category D open prison.

Dover District Council has no formal opportunity to prevent the proposals as no planning permission is required, but it has objected on the strongest grounds.

Huge public opposition for the plans has been created. Many fear it will lead to people who attend the nearby Duke of Yorks Royal Military School and who live at Burgoyne Heights living in fear.

MP Gwyn Prosser said: "As well as blighting a beautifully placed site, which sits in the shadow of Dover Castle and enjoys spectacular views of the channel, the location of a prison would have serious safety and security flaws in that it would sit close to the local school and the Gurkha family accommodation and provide would-be escapees with a five minutes walk to freedom via Dover’s busy ferry port."

Council leader, Paul Watkins, said: "We deplore the way these proposals have involved. The risk of prisoners coming to the end of their sentence also being housed at the site will be of great concern to local people.

"The Home Office and Prison Service need to give categorical reassurances that local people’s safety can be guaranteed."

In addition, since news broke last week, people thinking in investing in Dover have been demanding information.

David Hannent, a chartered surveyor in the town said: "People naturally want to know how their investment plans will be affected. I want to talk Dover up, but I also have a duty to be as honest as possible with people who want to invest in the town."

The council and Mr Prosser are now calling for a meeting with Home Secretary, John Reid.