22nd Sept 2009

Official - Prison not to come to Caernarfon

"Let's hope we never have to endure this kind of rubbish ever again" Gareth Edwards Editor Caernarfon Online.

The controversial plan of bringing an 800 capacity Category B or C prison to Caernarfon has been shelved by the Government.

Prisons Minister Maria Eagle declared that the former car components plant "Ferodo" or "Friction Dynamex" was "not suitable for prison development".

The proposals had drawn a lot of negative feeling in town and at a recent meeting or MP, councillors and council officials were lambasted with cries of "resign"

Hywel Williams amongst others had claimed that the development would create 700 jobs, and be worth £10m a year to the local economy. But many feared that this would not be aimed at locals, with the top paid jobs going to outside sources.

Prisons Minister Maria Eagle said "After careful consideration, the Ministry of Justice has decided to withdraw its interest in acquiring the former Dynamex site near Caernarfon. We have a responsibility to ensure we get best value for the taxpayer, As part of our new site search process, which we intend to be open and consultative, we will work with the Wales Office, Welsh Assembly Government and others to identify any potential new sites in Wales. "

Bluefield Land Caernarfon, which owns the site said it was extremely disappointed. They had urged the Government to move on with the proposal earlier this year and that nothing seemed to be moving forward since the initial report that the Government had decided to use the site.

The company said it had suggested to the Ministry of Justice at the beginning of the year that no announcement should be made until a price had been agreed.

Despite many sectors in Caernarfon celebrating the news, local Plaid Cymru MP Hywel Williams said he was disappointed at the withdrawal of interest at the site.

Councillor Roy Owen said "Hopefully Caernarfon can now focus on attracting much needed tourism and quality shopping to the area"