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The Free Press revealed last week that the Victorian asylum had been discussed as a more realistic option for a prison in Wales.

Cwmbran, Merthyr Tydfil, Caernarfon and Wrexham have also been put forward as proposed sites.

Government civil servants visited the site in Denbigh last week to judge its suitability.

Mixed reactions from residents in Denbigh include: "I am appalled that the former North Wales Hospital has been short listed to be considered as a prison", and "If there is a need for a new prison somewhere in north Wales – which would bring 700 wage packets with it – let's have it here."

Denbigh town's deputy mayor welcomed such a move with open arms.

Councillor Ian Davies said: "Speaking to people living and working in the Denbigh area, there has been a favourable reaction towards proposals to build a jail on the old hospital site.

"Since the hospital shut in the mid 1990s the local economy has struggled.

"Personally I believe locating a new Welsh prison in Denbigh would provide much needed work for building contractors and when complete hundreds of well paid jobs, resulting in a huge economic boost for the Vale of Clwyd and beyond."

He said that the issue was likely to become a major talking point in the coming weeks for everyone with an interest in the future of Denbigh.


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