Campaigners against a proposed mega prison in Rochester are staging a public meeting tonight.

Members of the Community Action on Prison Expansion (CAPE) will discuss ways to challenge the government proposal to expand the existing jail.

They fear the creation of mega prison “with a factory inside” will cause job redundancies and layoffs.

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The meeting is being held at the Rochester Community Hub at 7pm.

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst said it was normal for residents to be be anxious about a big development planned on their doorstep.

But she said it would have to go through a full planning process, which would provide a safety net.

“I will be making sure the residents living around the site know exactly what’s happening,” she said.

“So, all stages of the development, the residents will have the opportunity make sure their views are heard.”

Miss Tolhurst is supportive of the prison expansion.

She said: “The prison estate currently in Borstal is extremely old and isn’t fit for purpose,” she added.

“Some of the buildings there date back to when the prison was first built.

“It’s a good thing for prison officers - better facilities in which they will be working.”

The Ministry of Justice last month announced plans to create four new prisons in Rochester, Yorkshire, Wigan, and Port Talbot.

Justice Secretary Elizabeth Truss said it would modernise the prison estate and also provide an economic lifeline for the local communities –creating hundreds of jobs.

Rochester West councillor Stuart Tranter said he cannot see how expanding the prison would have a negative impact.

He said: “It’s valid that the people are raising questions but it’s far too soon to be saying if it’s good or bad without seeing the details of the plan.”