COUNCILLORS in Usk reacted with fury after the Home Office said it would not meet them to discuss scrapping the policy of placing sex offenders at Prescoed open prison.

Usk Town Council wrote to the Home Secretary, Dr John Reid, earlier this month calling for an immediate suspension of the controversial policy to transfer sex offenders to the prison before they are released.

They also demanded a meeting so they could discuss the policy face to face.

Two men are currently in custody accused of escaping from Prescoed last month, while a storm of protest followed the absconding from the prison of child sex offender Robert Stokes in October 2004, just after the policy had been introduced.

But Kay Peacock, the town's mayor, said at a meeting of the prisons committee last night that their concerns had been dismissed after receiving a reply, from prisons minister Gerry Sutcliffe, just a week after they had sent their letter.

Mr Sutcliffe wrote: "For those prisoners who successfully complete the resettlement programme, there can be little doubt that the likelihood of their re-offending is much reduced.

"I have taken an opportunity to examine the policy and I am content that it contributes to the over-arching aim of public protection.

"I am sorry but I do not think a meeting with your town councill from front page would be useful at this stage."

Councillor Peacock said Mr Sutcliffe also admitted the policy "could not carry a guarantee of 100 per cent success". She added: "It is unbelievable that Mr Sutcliffe claims he has reviewed the national policy let alone the local one in just a week since our letter.

"There has been no discussion or consultation whatsoever with this community.

"Had he sought one, I doubt there would have been a venue big enough for the community to gather vent at this policy."

She added: "This response shows utter disdain and disrespect for the community of Usk and my fellow councillors who have been elected to represent them by refusing to meet us either here or at Parliament.

"I'm sure the Home Office is just hoping the concerns will go away.

"But we will not let this matter rest."