Dover’s MP Charlie Elphicke said he has made it clear that no one wants an open prison at Dover’s Immigration Removal Centre.

This comes after it was suggested that the site may be used as an open prison after the announcement from the Home Office to close the centre last month.

This has sparked fears in the community that criminals could be living on their doorstep.

Mr Elphicke, MP for Deal and Dover said: “I’ve made it very clear that no one wants an open prison at Dover. There’s a great opportunity to redevelop The Citadel and have an amazing development for the Western Heights.”

The MP had a meeting with the minister for prisons, Andrew Selous MP and told him that it would cost too much money to turn the immigration centre into an open prison.

He said: “The Citadel is such a fabulous historic building to have it as an open prison would be a real shame. The redevelopment is a great opportunity to get the government more cash to invest in open prisons at more suitable locations elsewhere - but not in east Kent.”

Mr Elphicke said he was “cautiously optimistic” that his views had been heard.

He said: “There is so much history here and we should make sure the White Cliffs will forever stand as a symbol for our nation’s heart and soul.”

Others in the community have not shared his optimism. A mum from Dover, who wished to remain anonymous, said she is very concerned about what might happen.

She said: “Some of these people could be paedophiles, violent people and thugs. It’s awful. I have young children and anything could happen and they are letting it happen.”

Dover Immigration Removal Centre which can accommodate 300 people and 200 staff closed its doors this week.

Mr Elphicke has been liaising with workers to ensure that everyone retains a job at another prison elsewhere.

He said: “If anyone is not sure about their futures, they should get in touch with me. All workers are to continue to work in the prison service.

“I’ve been hard at work to make sure that this is the case.”

He said he has been given assurances that all staff will be given another job and will have the same pay packet.