A DECISION is needed urgently on the future of radon-hit Dartmoor Prison, a damning report by the jail's monitoring board says.
The decaying Victorian prison is currently empty with a skeleton staff after temporarily closing due to high levels of the radioactive gas being detected.
The Independent Monitoring Board for HMP Dartmoor has highlighted how the crisis developed over many months and "fluctuating decisions" by bosses. It has called for clear answers about the jail's future.
Chair of the Dartmoor IMB, Jo Wymer, said: "The future of HMP Dartmoor remains uncertain, with reopening contingent on mitigation plans and funding. As the prison's population was reduced and staff deployed elsewhere our monitoring highlighted the infrastructure decay and showed the urgency for a resolution.
"Now the prison only has a skeleton staff left, the fabric of the buildings will only deteriorate further.
"The closure of HMP Dartmoor has taken some 650 places out of the national estate, led to prisoners and staff being dispersed around the country, and a local community and economy uncertain as to what might happen.
This story is from the December 11, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 11, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
EARLEY RETURN
ROONEY OPEN TO RECALLING LEFT-BACK FROM LOAN SPELL
Pilgrims fall short in their fightback as Swans pile pressure on Rooney
PLYMOUTH Argyle saw a run of six unbeaten home home Championship matches come to an end as they lost 2-1 to Swansea City.
Sixteen ga in search of landing top prize
THREE former trophy holders will compete with 13 contenders for the grand prize of Champion of Champions on Sunday at the Victory Inn after a bumper night of play and charity fundraising across the four host venues.
Poundland owner Pepco slumps to huge £450m loss
PEPCO, the discount retail giant and owner of Poundland, has reported a loss exceeding £450m following a weak performance from its UK subsidiary, Poundland.
Damp and mould in military housing
DAMP and mould in family accommodation and single-living quarters that \"does not always meet the needs and expectations\" of soldiers are among the problems identified with military housing, in a new report.
Care group changes hands in takeover deal
MANNAMEAD CARE BECOMES FIRST SOUTH WEST COMPANY OPERATED BY SMART CARE HOMES
UK on alert over Syria aftermath
ANY potential return of British jihadists to the UK is “a matter of great concern\", a Home Office minister has said, amid ongoing worries about the aftermath of the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria.
No promise of funds
CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has declined to say whether funds would be made available to make assisted dying free at the point of use.
William reveals Christmas plans
THE Prince of Wales has revealed how he is set to celebrate Christmas with 45 people this year, admitting he is 'not ready' for the festive season.
Storm aid is criticised in Commons
HOMES without power after Storm Darragh will be reconnected by today, a minister has said, as the Government faced calls to review whether current measures adequately support vulnerable residents during extreme weather events.
