LANCASTER Farms Prison is full to bursting point with inmates languishing on remand for months because of prison service cut backs. The institution, regarded as the 'jewel in the crown' of the prison service, is facing a daily struggle to find places for ever increasing prison numbers. Experienced staff have left, inmates with mental health problems are not being treated and some prisoners face months awaiting trial.

But, despite the pressure of Government cut backs, a Board of Visitors report claims a high level of staff professionalism has maintained the prison's exemplary standards.

"We have expressed concern that the high standards that have been achieved at Lancaster Farms are in danger of slipping," said Hugh Roberts of the Board of Visitors (BOV)

"They have lost a lot of experienced staff which have not been replaced which means prisoners spend longer in their cells and have less association time. A lot of remand prisoners are there far too long and there has been times when the prison has been full and had to turn people away."

The BOV report also highlighted a problem of mental health care.

"We get people here who are obviously in need of some sort of mental health care but it can be months before they get any attention. In the circumstances, the staff cope exceptionally well," added Mr Roberts.

Lancaster Farms has built up a reputation for helping to rehabilitate young offenders. With an emphasis on anti-bullying, education and vocational training, the prison has large numbers of prisoners gaining NVQ qualifications which helps them when they are released.

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