WELSH Secretary Paul Murphy has met Justice Minister David Hanson in the wake of his decision to extend a consultation process for a proposed prison in Cwmbran.

The Ministry of Justice announced in August that the 39-acre former police training college on Greenmeadow Way, is one of four potential sites for a new closed Welsh prison for up to 1,500 inmates.

On Thursday (Oct 30) Mr Hanson announced the deadline for comments about the new prison in Wales has been extended until November 28.

At a meeting later that day in London, Torfaen MP Mr Murphy and Torfaen council leader Bob Wellington outlined the case against the siting of a prison in Cwmbran.

Mr 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.

“I am grateful to David Hanson for listening to our concerns, and for previously taking the decision to consult more widely on the plans.

“I am glad to say that there is a united voice amongst local politicians and people in the area, and the Argus has also run an excellent campaign.”

The Oppose the Prison Action Group led by St Dials councillor, Elizabeth Haynes, and Greenmeadow councillor, Catherine Lewis, say they now intend to use the extra consultation time to take video footage of the site’s close proximity to houses, and send it to Mr Hanson to be included in the decision process.

Cllr Haynes said: “This video will be put on the internet for all residents to see and comment on. “We will continue to seek a meeting with David Hanson, should he one day respond to my emails.

“We will also continue to send the message loud and clear, that we don’t want the prison here."