The north west 'super prison' that might mark the beginning of the end for Strangeways

Plans for a new 'super prison' in the North West could help pave the way for the eventual closure of Strangeways, the Manchester Evening News understands.This week Andy Burnham's government announced the contract for a new 1,700-place jail in Leyland, Lancs had been signed. It was part of a wider drive to 'ensure the country never again faces the nightmare of running out of prison spaces'.But well-placed sources here in Manchester hope the move could help town hall bosses bolster their case for the potential closure of Strangeways. It comes three months after the MEN revealed that 'promising conversations' had been taking place with government about relocating the prison outside Greater Manchester.Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter‌Speaking