01 April 2005
Inmates at Britain's largest women's prison are continuing to live in unacceptably dirty conditions, facing serial infestations of pigeons, insects and mice, according to a stinging report from the chief inspector of prisons.
Anne Owers' unannounced inspection at Holloway prison in London found that little progress had been made since it was last inspected in 2002.
Owers' March 30 report concluded that although some things had improved at the prison, 'fundamental problems' remained. As well as poor standards of cleanliness and rubbish-strewn communal areas, inspectors criticised in-patient care and high levels of self-harm and bullying.
Juvenile prisoners were also being held at Holloway, despite it being deemed an unsuitable location for girls.
Owers said: 'Holloway has undoubtedly progressed since the last inspection, but not to the extent that managers had hoped and we had expected. The previous management team had tackled some of the acute problems with enthusiasm, but aspects of the underlying culture remained unaddressed.'
Phil Wheatley, director general of the Prison Service, said the opening of Bronzefield, a new women's prison in Middlesex, should relieve pressure on Holloway.
PFapr2005
