Shrewsbury's Dana prison governor hands back keys
The Dana Prison said its very final farewell to Shropshire as a jail as the keys to the Grade II listed building were handed over to the Ministry of Justice.
In his final act in charge of Shrewsbury jail, prison governor Gerry Hendry handed over the keys in a ceremony witnessed by dozens of his now former colleagues.
Workers who witnessed the final moments of the Dana as a prison were dressed more casually than last Friday's uniform parade which marked the official chance for staff to say their goodbyes.
Yesterday's gathering saw workers gather in the courtyard of the jail for the final time to witness the Union flag being pulled down and the keys to the site being officially handed over.
More than 200 members of staff who worked at the prison have been affected, with workers either opting to take voluntary redundancy or move to other prisons.
The closure was ordered by the Government as part of cost-cutting plans which have resulted in the loss of several ageing prisons around the country in a bid to save £63 million a year in running costs.
Last week, Mr Hendry expressed his hopes at the final staff parade that the now-empty site could be put to good use in Shrewsbury.
"I stand before you as the last governor of Shrewsbury. It is not a title I asked for or ever wanted but sadly it is a fact," he said. "We all know the reasons why the prison is closing, it is not because of the hard work and dedication that has gone on behind these walls.
"I have been so proud to serve with you all. I wish you all well and hope that the people of Shrewsbury will look after the old girl."
Questions now remain over what will become of the site, with discussions due to take place between Shropshire Council and the Ministry of Justice early next month on the matter.
Among the potential options being considered is turning the site into a hotel, as has been done successfully in Oxford by the Malmaison chain.
