CAMPAIGNERS are hoping to shine a light on controversial plans to build a pair of "mega prisons" in their community by hosting an information evening this weekend.

The Stop Wethersfield Airfield Prisons group (SWAP) is holding a public information evening on July 3.

The move is in response to a consultation held by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) which has put forward plans for the two prisons at the former Wethersfield Airfield.

The event, which will be held between 4pm and 7pm, is set to take place at Wethersfield Village Hall.

SWAP has invited all Braintree district councillors to attend.

Protesters say the council has so far only received representations from the MoJ and they want to offer a balanced view.

SWAP chairman Alan MacKenzie will explain how the prison plans have progressed so far and work being done by SWAP.

Andrew Hull, Chair of Wethersfield Airfield Scrutiny Committee (WASC), will also give an update on the progress with its consultants and the work done internally with a Cambridge University lecturer.

Mark Ault, of SWAP, will cover ecology and the environment of the airfield, and John Pearce, who heads the technical sub-committee of WASC, will cover controversial planning aspects of the plans.

During the rest of the evening there will be informative videos and displays.

Volunteers will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Mr MacKenzie said: “I hope local residents will get a good feel for the progress of the SWAP campaign.

“We will bring them up do date with where their donations are going to help WASC, which has engaged consultants in preparation for opposition to any planning application.

“We really hope Braintree’s councillors do come along to get the perspective from the community affected by the mega prisons proposal and gain some balance to what they are told by the Ministry of Justice.”