Drugs readily available in prison

HARD drugs were found to be “readily available” at Warrington’s Risley Prison, according to prison inspectors.
More than 60 per cent of inmates suspected of using drugs such as heroin tested positive – and gang violence within the prison was rife, their report states.
Prison staff were struggling to cope with pervasive drugs and gang activity, said chief inspector of prisons Anne Owers.
The findings arise from an unannounced inspection of the prison in April.
Some prisoners were making home-made booze and more than a third of prisoners were locked in their cells most of the day. More than 50 were found with banned mobile phones over a period of four months.
Ms Owers commented: “Worryingly, prisoners felt even more unsafe than in the past and a serious drug problem, with associated gang violence, was having a pervasive and pernicious effect.
“The establishment’s sprawling buildings and poor design added to the difficulties for staff, but there was no excuse for the squalor we found.”
The report comes at a time when the people of Warrington are up in arms over suggestions that the town could have to endure a Titan super prison on the Omega development site.
Residents are furious that despite Warrington already have the notorious “Grisley Risley” and the Thorn Cross Young Offenders’ Institution, it should even be considered for a third.
But Risley’s governor, Bob McColm, says conditions have improved since the inspection.
He says more prisoners have jobs within the prison, carrying out work such as cleaning floors and painting walls.
Since the inspector, stronger personal relationships had been built between prisoners and staff, the pest control system had been improved and employment opportunities expanded.
Much of the prison had been redecorated, he said.
Police were also helping to minimise the drug problems.