Wrexham Puts Forward Two Sites for Prison
Two Wrexham industrial estate locations have been submitted for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to consider as potential prison sites.
Wrexham Council has has submitted the proposal involving the privately-owned Kingmoor Park, and Welsh Government-owned Firestone site. The Firestone site, located opposite Bridgeway East in the Pentre Maelor area, has been touted as a potential site for a number of years and previously divided opinion on whether it should be put forward.
The MoJ has identified priority areas as North Wales, London and North West England and had written to Wrexham Council requesting potential sites to be put forward.
Leader of the Council Neil Rogers is keen for the MoJ to give the green light to either of the sites:-
“We have provided two sites for consideration by the MoJ. Both fit the criteria set out by the MoJ. Having a prison in Wrexham would bring enormous economic advantages to the area.
It would also be of significant benefit to prisoners who come from the surrounding area who will be able to see family and friends more often. It will also be of significant benefit to prisoners who come from the surrounding area who will be able to see family and friends more often.”
Raising the issue at First Minister’s Questions AM Ken Skates said “I’m very supportive of efforts to build a new prison in North East Wales. There are compelling reasons to locate one in this region in particular which currently does not have any facilities to house local prisoners.”
“Wrexham Council has been working hard with the Welsh Government which owns the Firestone site and we need to see this partnership continue if a successful bid is to be made to the Ministry of Justice.”
The First Minister reiterated the Welsh Government’s support for new prison in North Wales and said talks were on-going.
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