'Ageing' prison unsafe for inmates, watchdog says

Inspectors have said a prison in Leicestershire is struggling to provide a "safe and decent" environment for inmates.

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said on Wednesday the "ageing" HMP Gartree, near Market Harborough, had "deteriorating infrastructure", while repairs and maintenance were "inadequate".

As well as issues including the heating, leaking roofs and broken showers, the watchdog raised concerns with healthcare provision, access to mental health services, an "influx" of drugs and illicit items, and support for rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said it acknowledged "the challenges at HMP Gartree" and added that work was under way to address the IMB's concerns.

In a report into its monitoring from December 2023 to November last year, the IMB said the building was "ageing" and the infrastructure "crumbling".

It cited the example of legionellosis - a lung infection - being suspected in some showers, which resulted in the closure of an entire shower block.

The IMB also said kitchens were "unhygienic" due to essential repairs not taking place and equipment not being replaced.

Inspectors said a range of "improvised" weapons continue to be discovered in cells, communal areas and areas outside the wing blocks.

The report said there had been an increase in drugs and illicit items in the prison fuelling "debt, bullying and violence" among prisoners.

In April 2024, private firm Practice Plus Group (PPG) took over healthcare provision inside the prison.

The IMB said the service was "understaffed", "inadequate" and noted a rise in complaints since the change of provider - but PPG told the BBC that the "transparent" way complaints and concerns are recorded had led to the change.

A PPG spokesperson added it had "reduced reliance on agency staff" and "increased the number of patients with urgent mental health needs who are seen within 48 hours".

IMB Gartree chair Steve Martin said: "The board is concerned that drug use is widespread, and drone activity continues to be reported, particularly at night.

"Additionally, despite claims by the Prison Service 12 months ago that the majority of the heating issues had been resolved, we remain dismayed at the lack of progress on necessary repairs to the fabric and infrastructure at HMP Gartree, which impacts on prisoners and staff alike.

"We raise the issue of a crumbling prison and inadequate healthcare every year, but nothing gets done."

The IMB said funding had been secured for an incentivised drug-free unit, which will offer support to prisoners actively wishing to recover and desist from using drugs.

It also said it recognised the "hard work and professionalism" of staff and acknowledged a "continued drive" to provide a "consistent regime" at the prison.

An MoJ spokesperson said: "This government inherited a prison system in crisis – overcrowded, with drugs and violence rife – and we fully acknowledge the challenges at HMP Gartree.

"Work is already under way to address the concerns raised, including improving the infrastructure by replacing the heating system and installing new systems to enhance water quality."

The MoJ told the BBC that £500,000 had been invested in the prison's heating and extra staff had been hired to support the management of violent and self-harming inmates.

It added 400m drone no-fly zones had been introduced at all closed prisons in England and Wales.

A new prison to house more than 1,700 prisoners is currently under construction on land near to HMP Gartree.

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