Progress at Chelmsford Prison is continuing but it is falling short in some areas, a new Home Office report claims.

A Government inspection found there were not enough purposeful activities for inmates as well as an increased use of force.

However, governor Steve Rodford defended the Springfield Road jail's performance, which has seen it go from one of the worst to one of the top ten in the country.

Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, said: "Staff and managers deserve credit for sustaining and building upon the improvements reported in our last inspection.

"However, they would be the first to admit that there is much left to do to bring the establishment up to the standard to which they aspire."

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Thursday, January 13, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette