Concerns raised over planned Wrexham prison

Critics of a new super prison in Wrexham believe violence, drug abuse and disorder will be inevitable at a site of its size and scale.

Supporters of the project argue it'll be a boost to the local economy and create jobs. But experts say problems at newly built prisons of similar sizes prove its difficult to keep inmates under control, as Alexandra Lodge reports.

Concerns will be raised later over the size and scale of the plans for a new super-prison in Wrexham by a panel of experts at an event in Cardiff Bay.

The UK government says the jail will cover 26 hectares at the former Firestone factory on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, house around 2,000 inmates and employ nearly 800 people.

Those who welcome the plans say it will be beneficial for local economy.

But opponents say the prison will bring disruption and argue that small prisons can find it easier to perform better than large ones. They also say that the development would have a detrimental effect on existing Welsh Government responsibilities.

The Welsh Secretary has been hearing first-hand why some people want to relocate rather than live next to a so-called 'super prison' planned for the outskirts of Wrexham.

David Jones was meeting local people and also Welsh companies hoping to create jobs and profit from the 2,000-strong jail.

David Jones MP is urging local companies in north Wales to seize the business opportunities presented by the proposed development of a 'super-prison' in Wrexham.

Hundreds of local businesses are expected to meet contractors today to see if they can work together to build the biggest prison in Wales and England.

Pending planning approval, the work at the site in Wrexham should start this summer. £250m is being invested in the development.

Prisons Minister Jeremy Wright and Secretary of State for Wales David Jones will visit the former Firestone factory site where the prison is scheduled to be built.

They will also meet with local companies and the prime contractors bidding for the construction contract.

Some people living in the local area oppose the plans for the 'super-prison' saying it will have a negative effect on the community.