THE FUTURE of Reading Gaol still remains to be decided, despite pressure from one of the town’s MPs.
On Thursday, November 30, Matt Rodda raised the issue with leader of the house, Penny Mordaunt, during a session in the House of Commons.
Ms Mordaunt knows the site well as she is a former president of the Reading University Students Union, and will have gone past the historic site on her way from campus to Reading’s railway station.
In his question, the Reading East MP pointed out the gaol has been empty for 10 years, and reminded parliament of the local support for the site.
“There has been a strong local campaign to turn the historic prison into an arts and heritage hub,” he said.
“The campaign is supported by me and (Reading West MP Sir Alok Sharma), by our local council and by many others.
“The Ministry of Justice promised us an update this autumn on this important project, but sadly, none has yet been forthcoming.
“Will the Leader of the House raise the matter with the Justice Secretary?”
Ms Mordaunt replied: “I fully understand why the local community wants that heritage building to be brought into use, and it has an arts connection through some of its former inmates.
“Given that the next Ministry of Justice questions is in the new year, I shall certainly raise it with the Lord Chancellor and his team, and ask them to update (Mr Rodda).”
