WARRINGTON South MP Helen Southworth has held crunch talks with Justice minister Jack Straw to outline her opposition should plans be drawn up for a Titan prison in Warrington.

And Mrs Southworth says it is vital that attention now turns to pressing ahead with plans for a hi-tec business park on the Omega site at Burtonwood.

Fears are high among residents that a 2,500 capacity jail will be built on the land.

Mrs Southworth met Mr Straw this morning and said she stressed the importance of Omega, not just to Warrington but to the wider north west area.

She added: “He listened carefully to what I had to say and had confirmed that no decision had yet been taken about the site of the Titan prison in the north west.

“He has also confirmed that when the justice department indicates a preferred site they would follow the local democractic planning process.

“We have worked for 10 years to develop the Omega concept and I believe it is crucial not just for the Warrington economy but for the wider economy to drive inward investment for the hi-tec, high value jobs that we need within the region to make sure the economy is successful.

“We have got to put the focus, more so now than ever, on making sure we deliver that business park for local people and local jobs.

“No decision has been made and I am making very robust representations.”