Calls to bulldoze 'leaky' prison

Leaky roofs let in rainwater at HMP Brockhill

A report into a women's prison in Worcestershire has said it should be knocked down and a new one built in its place.

The Board of Visitors report into the women's prison HMP Brockhill says the building is deteriorating and needs constant patching up.

It says rainwater drips into the main corridors through leaky roofs.

Delays... might suggest Prison Service indecision about Brockhill's future

Independent report

Metal catches on windows are broken and cannot be replaced while others will not open because of too much repainting.

There are other concerns about the prison, which is situated 16 miles south of Birmingham and has room for 158 inmates.

These include:

loss of regime through staff shortages

lack of a healthcare centre

a shortage of leisure programmes

canteen choice and prices

The report, however, does add that staff work with 'enthusiasm and humanity in difficult circumstances'.

But the independent board concludes: "A new prison should probably be built to replace Brockhill on the grounds of efficiency, economy and effectiveness in meeting the Prison Service's own standards."

The report also urges action from prison authorities.

"All delays in implementing various plans to replace, extend and refurbish might suggest Prison Service indecision about Brockhill's future.

"The Board implores that a swift decision to either spend money to improve or replace Brockhill should be taken as a matter of priority.

"The present situation is totally unsatisfactory."