Would you live near a prison?

Over half (53%) of Aberystwyth residents would consider living near a prison – more than any other city. 

The fact comes from a new study done by Mashroom, who surveyed 2,000 UK residents, asking them all about how they’d feel about living near a prison.

In comparison, residents in the North West were the least likely to want to live near a prison, with over half saying so (53%).

Overall, the findings showed that just under half of UK adults said they would not like to live near a prison (43%), however 62% admitted that they don’t check if a prison is close to their home in the first place. 

Although, 23% of those who didn’t check said it wouldn’t bother them as much in the first place.

Providing an overall regional perspective, Welsh residents are the most likely to double check first, with a quarter saying so.

Losing value on the property is the main concern for people who aren’t keen on the idea of having a prisoner as their neighbour after 57% said so.

Furthermore, 51% said they’d be more concerned about the prisoners escaping. It remains a concern even after they’re released, as 40% said the main reason not wanting to live near a prison is due to feeling unsafe at the idea of inmates being released into their neighbourhoods.

Over a third (38%) also said they wouldn’t feel like it’s a safe place for their children to live. 

Visitations were also a worry for homeowners near prisons, as 39% told Mashroom that they didn’t want traffic piling up due to visitors and shift changes.

If they had to choose though, Mashroom found that the majority would prefer a max security prison as their neighbour, after 37% said so, whilst 35% said they’d be willing to live near a local or training prison.

A third told Mashroom that they’d live near an open prison and 36% said a training or resettlement prison.