More than 250 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have had a chance to bid to be involved in the construction of a new prison for north Wales.

Image of prison fence

For the past two days business representatives from across North Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire have had an opportunity to present to Kier, Carillion, Lend Lease and Interserve - the four contractors bidding to build the new prison for the Ministry of Justice.

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Prisons Minister Jeremy Wright and the Secretary of State for Wales David Jones visited the event to meet the contractors and local businesses.

Prisons Minister Jeremy Wright said: "This new prison will be a huge boost for the regional economy, with the creation of up to 1,000 jobs and an estimated £23m per year for the area.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our country and a real necessity for building a resilient, sustainable economy. That is why we are so keen to encourage contractors to use them in this major construction process.

"The prison will also be a first for north Wales, allowing offenders to be held closer to home, which will ensure better support for their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community on release."

(CD/MH)