24 September 2009

Paul Murphy remains opposed to Cwmbran prison plans

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy has restated his strong opposition to a prison based on the site of the Police Training College in Cwmbran.

Speaking after the announcement that a planned prison in North Wales will now not go ahead, he said: “I welcome confirmation from the Prisons Minister that the decision to withdraw from prison plans in Caernarfon does not affect plans to sell the site in Cwmbran.”

Speaking from his Pontypool Office, Mr Murphy restated his opposition: “For well over two years now I have fought strongly against a prison being located at the police training college site. The Argus, local politicians, our Assembly member and residents were united in the belief that the site is just not suitable for a prison. It is one of the densest areas of housing in Wales.”

“I was reassured by Prison’s Minister Maria Eagle’s confirmation yesterday that the decision to withdraw does not affect plans to sell the site of the former police training college. I have also written to Welsh Secretary Peter Hain reiterating my opposition and the merits of a North Wales site.”

During the long campaign, Mr Murphy held public meetings, listened to families concerned by the plans, met with the Prisons Minister on a number of occasions and strongly supported the passionate Argus campaign. The Torfaen MP also asked a Parliamentary Question earlier this month to Justice Secretary Jack Straw on the plans for the former Police Training College site.

Site designed and developed by Public Impact

Site promoted and issued on his own behalf by Paul Murphy MP. 73 Upper Trosnant Street, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 8AU.
This site is paid for by the Communications Allowance available to MPs. Site admin