WELSH Secretary Paul Murphy is to throw his weight against the controversial plan to build a high security prison at Cwmbran.

And with Rhodri Morgan's government also lined up against, the Torfaen MP is hopeful it will be enough to persuade Justice Minister Jack Straw to build the prison for up to 1,500 inmates elsewhere in Wales.

Mr Murphy will present prisons minister David Hanson with between 300 and 400 letters and emails objecting to Cwmbran as the location.

He will meet the minister next Thursday with local council leader Bob Wellington and Welsh Assembly Member Lynne Eagle to outline their objection.

"We hoped the ministry would listen to the substantial objections," Mr Murphy told the Argus in an exclusive interview.

Cwmbran is one of four sites shortlisted for the jail. The others are Merthyr, Caernarfon and Wrexham in North Wales.

"I'm opposed to the prison coming to Cwmbran along with the AM and council leader.

"There is widespread opposition. We just don't think Cwmbran is suitable."

He said it would make better sense to develop the site perhaps for housing and use the money to fund the building of the prison elsewhere.

Consultation over the proposal is due to end on October 31, so next Thursday's meeting could be crucial to the outcome.

Mr Murphy, who said he was speaking as the local MP, said: "There is huge opposition to it and we hope the government will listen to it."

Since the proposal was announced, hundreds of people from Cwmbran have signed petitions, written letters and took part in protests marches against the plan.

Last Saturday more than 200 people took part in a demonstration to highlight their campaign.