An A320 flight crew returned to their departure airport when the latch mechanism on the forward cargo door failed and the cabin altitude started to climb.

Narrative

Climbing through 14;500 FT we got an ECAM forward cargo door warning light and at the same time noticed an increase in the cabin rate of climb. We called Center and requested a descent to 9;000 FT while we completed the ECAM for the problem. When we leveled at 9;000 we had enough differential pressure from the bleed system that the cabin remained below 7;000 FT. At that point we sent a message to operations that we were going to return and have Maintenance look at our problem. We also advised the flight attendants. We sent a 2nd message to Operations advising them that we would be landing overweight. We went through the QRH and FOM to cover all events of the landing. The First Officer did a great job in helping with this.After landing we taxied to the gate where Maintenance advised us the forward cargo door latch mechanism was broken. He said a new latch was coming over from the hanger and that it would take about an hour and 1/2 to install. We made all log book entries and I called operations for a new release. All operations normal after latch mechanic fixed.