Prison Action Group, press release

Press release from Cllr Elizabeth Haynes as follows...

Over the last few months, residents have become increasingly worried about the
rumours surrounding the siting of a Prison in Cwmbran.
Many Residents
contacted the 2 ward Councillors who have been campaigning against this since
March. They are Councillor Elizabeth Haynes (St Dials Ward) and Cllr Catherine
Lewis (Greenmeadow ward). Along with some residents,
they have been collecting signatures on a petition since March and have set up
an Action Group.

After the Press Release by the MoJ last Wednesday
(6th Aug), stating that Cwmbran was in the final list of 4 options, Residents
worries turned to outrage. Many have contacted the 2 Councillors and want
action.

Torfaen County Borough Council Leader has stated his plans
to assist other Boroughs who have declared they want the prison in their
areas. Residents are not completely happy with just
this. They feel it is more important to let the Ministry of
Justice know how much they do not want it in Cwmbran.

The Action
Group, headed by Cllrs Haynes & Lewis, planned a series of
events that will be publicised shortly and would welcome all residents
involvement.

The first event is a Demonstration
outside the former Police Training College on Greenmeadow Way, Cwmbran. It
will take place at 2pm on Sat 16th August. Please make a banner or
poster and come along. All are welcome & needed!.

The Action Group have made contact with Gwent Police with a view
that they want this Demonstration to remain peaceful and for it to remain
legal.

Cllr Elizabeth Haynes says “I became aware of this Prison
issue in 2007. Cllr Lewis and I joined forces with a Resident, Keith
Williams of Greenmeadow, and we started collecting signatures for his
petition. In March 2008 I purchased the Title Deeds from Land
Registry for the Training college site, where it clearly stated that the land
was sold for 6.5 million pounds in March 2007 to the Home Office Custodial
Property Group. The campaign to oppose the prison has been stepped up
since then. Last Wednesdays announcement was the trigger to start
this series of events. We have very little time to oppose this. We
have only 10 weeks before the opportunity to air our views are gone.
I cannot stress how important it is for residents to get involved. Please,
make your banners & posters and turn up!”

Cllr Catherine Lewis
says “It is imperative that we show the MoJ how opposed we are to this
prison. I believe that actions speak louder than words and feel that our
plans will send the message to them”

For more details on the
Demonstration, or for more information please telephone Cllr Elizabeth Haynes on
01633 870119 or Cllr Catherine Lewis on 01633 766557

Any Comments?