Holloway Prison conditions slammed

Published: 3 September, 2010
by TOM FOOT

THE future of Holloway Prison has been put in doubt after it was placed under a government review following a snap inspection.

A report, following an unannounced inspection by the Deputy Chief inspector of Prisons Nigel Newcomen, found the majority of inmates felt unsafe and criticised the design of the building.

A Ministry of Justice quango has responded by placing the prison under review while warning of acute “spending pressures”.

He said staff were struggling to properly monitor inmates because of “poorly designed ­residential units”.

A survey of women inmates found 60 per cent were worried about being attacked by their peers, the report said.

Mr Newcomen said: “The efforts of managers and staff are hampered by two things. One is the unsafe and unsatisfactory design of the prison. The other is the lack of strategic direction and effective operational management within the women’s prison system in general.” 

The inspection found that support for women at risk of suicide or self-harm had improved, particularly for those at risk of self-harm, and complaints of racism had been stamped out.

There had been no deaths since 2007 and, in general, relationships with prisoners was “good”.