OVER the past couple of months, I have had the misfortune of visiting a relative in prison. He is being held in custody awaiting trial at Crown Court.

Having been a law-abiding citizen for 64 years, I believe that if someone has committed a crime they deserve punishing. My complaint is not about the treatment of prisoners, but about the treatment of visitors.

Preston Prison is situated at one of the busiest road junctions in the town. My visiting time was from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. I arrived at 1.10pm and joined the other visitors outside the prison. I could feel the eyes of motorists staring; they knew where we were going and from that moment I felt like a criminal.

The afternoon was very damp, when I finally reached the gate I was asked: "Name?" I gave my name, the warden growled back: "Not your name -- the prisoner's."

I followed the person in front to a room where I joined a queue waiting to be searched.

Not knowing the procedure I had a wallet, keys and other usual belongings in my pockets. The warden snapped, "You should have put these in a locker." I went gingerly back to the locker room and placed my belongings in one of the available lockers and then returned to be searched.

During the search, I was told: "Hands up, turn around, open your mouth." It was just abrupt and bullyboy tactics which I received.

Not once during my visit was I or any other visitor (apart from one person who appeared to be a solicitor) shown any respect, politeness or understanding. I thought my second visit would be better. After all, I now knew the ropes, but I was wrong and was still made to feel like a second-class citizen.

Surely, visitors should not be treated or talked to like animals. They should be shown a little respect -- after all, they have not committed a crime.

J ALLAN (Mr), Rothesay Road, Blackburn.

Footnote: Mr Ian Heyes, Head of Drug Strategy at Preston Prison replied: I emphasise with Mr Allan regarding the access into the prison. Situated as it is on a busy road junction, visitors are subject to the gaze of passing motorists. In order to ameliorate this situation, a small visitors' centre, staffed by the WRVS, is available to the left of the main gate.

With regard to the remainer of Mr Allan's letter, I can only apologise if any member of the public was treated in the manner described. Yes, security is important, but searching routines should be carried out with due respect for the individual.

We aim to ensure all visitors are treated in a courteous manner. A police statement outlining complaint procedures is prominently displayed in the visitors waiting area.

I have received no communication from Mr Allan regarding the incident. However, should he wish to furnish me with details of the dates of his visits, I will inquire into events."