16 November 2009

Paul Murphy wins reassurance on Prison

Ministers reassure Torfaen MP that Cwmbran site not being considered.

Torfaen MP Paul Murphy has welcomed confirmation from Government Ministers that the former Police Training College site in Cwmbran is not being considered for a prison.

First, Prisons Minister Maria Eagle confirmed to Paul Murphy that she is looking for another suitable site in north Wales rather than in Cwmbran – after the Caernarfon site previously chosen proved unsuitable.

Now, in a reply to a letter from Mr Murphy, Welsh Secretary Peter Hain said:

“Maria Eagle has stated that the Ministry of Justice still intends to sell the Cwmbran site following the decision not to proceed with the site in Caernarfon.”

“(Wales Office Minister) Wayne David recently met with Maria Eagle to stress the importance of pursuing a new prison site in North Wales and at that meeting she re-confirmed that Cwmbran would not be considered as a prison site… I hope this will reassure your constituents that the MoJ has no plans to use the Cwmbran site for prison development.”

Paul Murphy welcomed this reassurance, saying:

“This is good news for local residents. For well over two years now I have fought strongly against a prison being located on this 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.”

Mr Murphy held public meetings, listened to families concerned by the plans and met with the Prisons Minister on a number of occasions. He has also recently asked a Parliamentary Question to Justice Secretary Jack Straw on the plans for the site, as well as seeking reassurance from both the Ministry of Justice and Wales Office Ministers.

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