New prison governor starts work

Prisoners are yet to move in

The Isle of Man's new prison governor is to take up her post in time to oversee the move to a new £41m jail.

Alison Gomme, a former governor at HMP Hewell Grange and Brockhill in the West Midlands, is due to start her new job on Monday.

Mrs Gomme has moved to the island with her husband and daughter.

Minister for Home Affairs Martyn Quayle MHK said it was a "challenging and exciting period in the history of the island's prison service."

"We are fortunate to have somebody of Mrs Gomme's calibre to lead us into that new era," he said.

"She will oversee the move from Victoria Road to the island's new £41.7m prison at Jurby and work in partnership with other government agencies to ensure that high standards are achieved in terms of community safety."

Prisoners are due to move into the new building.

Mrs Gomme said she was looking forward to partnership working on the island in her new role.

"My family and I are excited about becoming part of the community and enjoying the quality of life the island has to offer," she added.