Inmates at prison near Aylesbury have ‘easy access’ to drugs and mobile phones say inspectors
Inmates at a prison near Aylesbury have ‘easy access’ to drugs and mobile phones according to inspectors.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons carried out an unannounced visit to HMP Spring Hill in August, to see how conditions had changed since their last visit in 2022.
In their report on the jail in Grendon Underwood, published today (Monday), inspectors detailed ‘significant concerns’ in relation to the site, which currently holds more than 300 male prisoners.
Inspectors said that much of the older accommodation was in “poor condition” and described the situation as “a longstanding failure.”
It described standards of cleanliness as “disappointing” and said that many communal areas were “dirty and uncared for”, conditions it called “corrosive.”
The report also highlighted concerns around the availability of illicit items, noting that “the smell of drugs was evident”, and saying prisoners reported it being “easy” to obtain drugs and mobile phones.
It found that many prisoners did not go to work or education, and that there was often not enough for prisoners to do.
It also highlighted some positives related to the prison, including how many prisoners were able to undertake release on temporary licence schemes, including paid employment in the community.
Inspectors also found that outcomes in preparation for release remained “reasonably good” but said there was more work to do in relation to the management of offenders.
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor wrote: “Spring Hill has considerable potential and there were encouraging signs of renewed ambition among leaders.
“However, the condition of the older accommodation, the deterioration in standards of cleanliness, weaknesses in purposeful activity and shortcomings in offender management required determined action.
“Addressing these issues will be essential if Spring Hill is to fulfil its role as a successful open prison that equips men with the skills, confidence and support they need to live safely and responsibly on release.”
The prison’s governor has been asked to put a plan together for how to improve conditions at Spring Hill, while inspectors are set to return to the site in a few years to evaluate progress.