An unannounced inspection of HMP Preston has found living conditions continue to be poor for many of the 680 men there.
The inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons took place between 7 and 23 March this year.
Inspectors explored what had changed since they last visited in 2017 by looking around the prison, getting the views of prisoners, staff and helpers, and reading documents.
A summary of findings said the prison’s physical conditions needed significant investment.
Issues included too many shared small cells designed for one with inadequately screened toilets, and a large rat population.
In addition, access to family visits – crucial for both prisoners’ wellbeing and their rehabilitation – had deteriorated.
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The report contained a number of more positive findings.
Activity was deemed to be much better than most other reception prisons. Most men spent far longer out of their cells and were allocated to appropriate education, work or training.
The head of health care was credited for doing an “outstanding job”, with standards said to have improved markedly since the last inspection.
The inspection also found a “strong and proactive staff team working to improve outcomes for a population that had many difficulties with mental health and substance misuse”.
The report is available to read on the Justice Inspectorates websites.
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