08 June 2008

Torfaen Councillors, AM and MP voice concerns on Prison

After hearing news that the former Police Training College site is on a shortlist for the siting of a new prison in Wales, Torfaen’s AM, MP and local Councillors have expressed their concerns.

The Ministry of Justice have announced that the site in Cwmbran is one of four possible sites for a new prison to be built in Wales.

Greenmeadow Councillor and Council Leader Bob Wellington said: “The proposed site is not appropriate for a development of this nature. This is an area of dense housing right in the middle of Cwmbran. I have made my views clear to the MoJ on this issue before, and will continue to voice the concerns of local residents.”

Torfaen Assembly Member Lynne Neagle said: “As I have said from day one, I remain totally convinced that the proposed St Dials site is inappropriate in the extreme. Siting a prison in such a densely populated area is a bad idea, plain and simple.

“There are numerous other, more appropriate sites in South East Wales in need of economic redevelopment which would not impact on existing communities as the St Dials proposal clearly would. As well as raising this matter in the Assembly chamber, I have been in regular contact with the WAG Minister dealing with this issue, and will be speaking to him again as a matter of urgency in light of these new developments.”

Local MP Paul Murphy added: “As the local Member of Parliament, I have my concerns that the proposed site, surrounded by some of the most tightly-packed housing in Wales in the middle of Cwmbran, just isn’t suitable for a prison. I understand the need for more prison places. However, I feel that there are other sites that would be better all-round, and I therefore hope that the MoJ will look closely at the alternatives.

“I would again emphasise that the MoJ have assured us that no decision has yet been made – this is simply a shortlist of options. Local residents with any concerns are welcome to contact Lynne, the Council or myself and we will pass on their views.”

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