POLICE in Largs have confirmed that they are made aware when prisoners are released into the area as a result of the government's early release programme.

The matter was aired during a recent Largs Community Council meeting by a member of the public.

Resident Jimmy Muir said: "In connection with the government's early release programme, are the police informed of anyone in the area that has the potential to be an issue?"

Sergeant Donald Fisher of Largs Police confirmed to the meeting that this was indeed the case.

He said: "We do get notification of prisoner releases, and that is not directly handled by myself but I am made aware of that. 

"And if there is going to be someone that is going to be coming into the area who has particular aspects to their release, we are made aware of those details as well."

It was confirmed earlier this summer that the first group of prisoners to be released early from Scotland's jails were being freed with between 500 and 550 inmates leaving custody to relieve pressure on the country's overcrowded prisons.

The move involves prisoners with 180 days or less to serve from a sentence of under four years, and does not apply to people convicted of sexual or domestic abuse offences.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: "We have worked collaboratively with partners to prepare those approaching the end of their sentence for a supported early release.

"Governors have vetoed anyone they found posed an immediate risk to individuals or groups, with the help of intelligence from police and social work.

"The safety and wellbeing of people in our care, our staff, and the communities we support continues to be a key priority throughout, with information for victims and families available on our website."

Proposals for early prisoner release were announced in May following an 'unprecedented' increase in prison numbers.