COMMUNITY groups and trade unions are calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to protect the former site of Holloway prison in north London so that it can be used for affordable homes and community facilities.

Bidding is open between now and November 15 for the 10-acre site.

There is space for more than 1,000 flats but little mention has been made of plans to give space to the community.

Campaigners — including Unite’s housing workers branch, Islington Trades Union Council, Reclaim Holloway and Women in Prison — want to see Mr Khan make good on his recently launched draft housing strategy in which he earmarked £250 million for buying up land specifically for affordable housing.

In a letter to the mayor, campaigners say that selling the land to private developers “risks squandering a golden opportunity to address some of the systemic problems for low-income Londoners in finding safe, decent and affordable homes.”

This Saturday, Islington Axe the Housing Act will host a community festival outside Holloway prison.