THE Government is to go ahead with a new private prison at Agecroft in Salford.

Home Secretary Jack Straw last night announced that the controversial project had been given final approval.

But Worsley MP Labour Mr Lewis launched a bitter attack on his own Government over the decision.

He said: "We need this negative investment in Salford like a hole in the head. It seems to be a case of New Labour, no consultation."

But Mr Straw said that, despite the Labour Government's reservations about privately- constructed, managed and financed prisons, the pressure on the service was too great to do without Agecroft and the 400-place young offenders institution near Bristol.

Therefore he was putting out a contract for the Category B local prison at Agecroft to tender.

He said: "There is an urgent operational requirement to overcome projected shortfalls in accommation and to avoid dangerous levels of overcrowding and the use of police cells."

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