Extra cash is needed for Chelmsford Prison immediately.

A month ago Kate Hoey, Under Secretary of State for the Home Department said the jail would receive an extra £300,000.

Now West Chelmsford MP Simon Burns , has written to Lord Williams of Mostyn, Minister responsible for prisons, urging him to ensure the cash requested is given to the jail.

This year Chelmsford prison's budget was cut from £9.2 to £8.6m.

The extra cash for the jail was revealed during a Commons debate instigated by Mr Burns.

He had called for the debate following a damning report on the prison following an unannounced visit by Sir David Ramsbotham, Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Sir David had made 99 recommendations.

Mr Burns said this week: "I have written to Lord Williams of Mostyn urging him to ensure that money requested is given to the prison to make the badly needed improvements that are highlighted in Sir David's report.

"I know that during the course of my debate, Kate Hoey MP, said that the financial grant for Chelmsford prison would be better than originally anticipated, but I believe that, because of the problems at the prison, all money should be made available to ensure that improvements and remedial action is taken as quickly as possible."

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