30 October 2008

Murphy meets Minister on Cwmbran Prison

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy has today met with Prisons Minister David Hanson in London to discuss the Cwmbran Prison proposals.

At the meeting, Paul Murphy and Torfaen Council Leader Bob Wellington outlined the case against the siting of a prison at the old Police Training College site.

Speaking after the meeting, Paul Murphy said: “I have explained to the Minister why, as the local MP, I think the proposed site is simply not suitable for a prison. I talked about the sheer number of houses in the area and about the families worried about the prospect of a prison built on their doorsteps. That represents the views of hundreds of people who have contacted me expressing their concerns, and all those who have campaigned on the issue.

“I am grateful to David Hanson for listening to our concerns, and for previously taking the decision to consult more widely on the plans rather than just selecting Cwmbran, which I understand was a possibility had we not made our views known from the start. I am also pleased that the Minister has agreed to extend the consultation until 28th November, giving people extra time to have their say.”

“I have been in contact with Ministers to raise my concerns on this issue since early in 2007, when the idea was first mentioned. I am glad to say that there is a united voice amongst local politicians and people in the area. The Argus has run an excellent campaign. Lynne Neagle, as the AM for Torfaen, and Bob Wellington, as Council Leader, have both expressed their opposition to the plans from the start. We have spoken several times with the Welsh Assembly Government, who also think that other sites are more suitable.”

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