A FAMILY member of an inmate at HMP Thorn Cross in Appleton Thorn has described the conditions as ‘disgusting’ and ‘inhumane’ after a Covid outbreak.

The family member claimed that despite it being an open prison, restrictions being lifted and many prisoners being vaccinated, a whole wing is having to isolate.

There are allegedly 60 men ‘locked up’ on a wing with ‘poor ventilation,’ and sharing eight toilets between them.

It was also claimed that the prisoners are allowed ‘very limited’ out door exercised for the next two weeks.

The restrictions come after a ‘few’ people on the wing have tested positive with ‘very mild’ symptoms.

The family member said: ‘‘I think this is disgusting and inhumane.

‘‘Many of them have had home leaves cancelled as well when they have already gone up to 18 months without family contact.

‘‘Those who don’t comply are being forced back into closed conditions.

‘‘With 60,000 people in Wembley for the Euro’s and nightclubs now packed, I can’t understand the reasoning behind this.

‘‘They should be ashamed.’’

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “The decisive action we have taken during the pandemic, backed by Public Health England, has meant thousands of officers and prisoners have been kept safe.”

The Prison Service has offered guidance:

  • Prisoners will have to isolate for a specified period in line with government guidance if someone in their household/block tests positive.
  • Prisoners have regular access to toilets and washing facilities, as well as unlimited access to a garden area.

In direct response to the pandemic, across the prison estate we have:

  • Rolled out secure video call technology into every single prison in the male, female, and youth estate so prisoners are able to remain in touch with their family – vital to their rehabilitation;
  • Provided more than 1,500 mobile phone handsets and extra phone credit;
  • Key Worker officers – specialist staff who provide one-to-one support to five-to-six prisoners – have been going cell to cell to intensively support those with mental health issues, and spent longer than ever simply talking to prisoners – listening to their problems and anxieties;
  • Moved vital rehabilitation work – such as education, work opportunities, and exercise – in-cell where possible; and
  • Committed officers, who know their prisoners best, have come up with new ways to support them and have continued to provide activity, exercise, and social interaction.