MP SEEKS REASSURANCES OVER FUTURE OF USK PRISON

MONMOUTH MP David Davies has urged the Governor of Usk Prison to confirm or deny rumours surrounding the future role of the establishment.

HMP Usk has been used to house Vulnerable Prisoners since 1990. However, rumours are rife in the town that it is set to change to a Category C Training Prison.

Speaking from his office in Usk, Mr Davies said: "There have been numerous concerns in the past about putting vulnerable prisoners in to the open prison at Prescoed because of the nature of the offences they have committed.

"However, in the 11 years that I have served this constituency, I have not been aware of any complaints about the use of HMP Usk itself to house this type of prisoner because of the high levels of security in place.

"I believe changing HMP Usk to a Category C Training Prison would cause enormous problems for the people of the town. This is because, by their nature, Category C prisoners are far less likely to be compliant and so residents living in the immediate vicinity will be subject to increased levels of noise.

"Secondly, those who are paying visits to the prison will have to be searched and put through security. I recently visited HMP Cardiff and noticed this is unlikely to be carried out without causing more noise and problems for those living nearby.

"I'm also concerned about how family and friends will be able to visit their loved ones, especially if they have to rely on public transport. There are no trains to Usk and the buses run infrequently from Newport.

"I have had no confirmation of these plans and I would be both angered and disappointed if a radical proposal such as this was being drawn up without first consulting with Monmouthshire County Council, Usk Town Council, the local AM and myself.

"I have therefore written to the Governor of Usk Prison asking him to confirm exactly what changes, if any, are in the pipeline. If the rumours are indeed correct, I have requested an urgent meeting to discuss the matter in more detail".