MORE than 4,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Government to make a u-turn over its plans to house sex offenders at Thorn Cross prison.

The campaign, which was launched by the Warrington Guardian last Wednesday, was set up after the Ministry of Justice revealed plans to allow convicted sex offenders to serve the remainder of their custodial sentences at the open prison in Appleton Thorn.

This is despite a commitment from the Government that this would never happen.

The changes are expected to come into force by the end of the year at the facility on Arley Road which is just yards away from Appleton Thorn Primary School.

The decision has triggered concerns across the village with some fearing their safety could be put in jeopardy. 

To sign the petition click here.