ANGRY residents came out in force at the weekend to protest against a proposed 1,500 place prison in Cwmbran.

Around 300 people gathered at the site of the planned prison - the former police training college in Greenmeadow Way - on Saturday to show their anger.

Undeterred by the pouring rain, opponents of the plans brought placards and banners to make their discontent clear.

The demonstration was organised by the Oppose the Prison Action Group, led by St Dials councillor Elizabeth Haynes and Greenmeadow councillor Catherine Lewis.

Cllr Haynes said: "It's not an option here, the location is totally unsuitable.

"I know that we need prisons in Wales but this is totally unsuitable."

Many Cwmbran residents were angered by last week's announcement by the Ministry of Justice that the 39-acre site, located in a residential area, was one of four potential places for a new closed Welsh prison.

Sites in Merthyr Tydfil, Wrexham and Caernarfon, North Wales, are also on the shortlist. A consultation on the proposals is now open until October 31.

Jean Gray, 67, of The Wades, said: "Residents are very angry, they are very concerned. They have a great fear about the prospect about having a prison on their doorstep.

"It is in the middle of a new town development, that sort of position might have been acceptable in Victorian times, but not in the 21st century."

The site is already owned by the Ministry of Justice and is positioned within their original search area of the M4 corridor.

The ministry described it as a very good site as it provides good access to the courts and main centres of population as well as good road and rail links from Newport and Cardiff.

The former Ferodo site in Caernarfon is also described as having a good location, but could only accommodate a 600- to 800-place prison.

Michelle Corrigan, 30, of Pembrey Path said: "Everybody's outraged, it seems ridiculous to put it in the middle of a build up community.

"Hopefully, together we stand united to show that we don't want it."

Site 'not appropriate'- council leader

TORFAEN council leader Bob Wellington and Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle are among local politicians who also oppose a prison in Cwmbran.

Cllr Wellington told the Argus the site was not appropriate for a development of this nature.

“This is an area of dense housing right in the middle of Cwmbran. I have made my views clear to the ministry on this issue before, and will continue to voice the concerns of local residents,” he said.

Lynne Neagle, Torfaen AM, described the proposal as “inappropriate in the extreme.”