Hampshire prison to close (From Daily Echo)
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Kingston Prison in Portsmouth to close, Ministry of Justice reveals
11:19am Thursday 10th January 2013 in Crime
Hampshire prison to close
A HAMPSHIRE prison is one of six in England, are to close, the Ministry of Justice said today.
Kingston Prison in Portsmouth, which holds 200 inmates is to close. In total, the six prisons hold up to 2,600 prisoners.
The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' in either London, the north west or north Wales, the MoJ added.
Acting governor of HMP Kingston, Martin Hatch, said: “Clearly this is a sad day for HMP Kingston prison as we have been proud to protect the public and help reduce re-offending for so many years.
“We understand that this is absolutely not a reflection of our performance.
“I know that everything possible will be done to avoid compulsory redundancies by seeking to redeploy staff to other establishments and by using the Voluntary Early Departure Scheme where appropriate. Work will also now begin to identify new allocations for prisoners which take account of their sentence plans and particular needs as far as is possible.
“I can assure the local community with whom we have worked so closely for so long that public protection will remain our priority throughout the closure process.”
Meanwhile, capacity at a further three prisons, including the amalgamated prison on the Isle of Wight, will see their capacities reduced.
On the island, Camp Hill will be closed, reducing the overall capacity of the Island's prison facilities.
The programme is part of a drive to build new capacity to replace older prisons and bring down the cost of the prison system. It is expected to save £63 million a year.
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said: ''We have to bring down the cost of our prison system, much of which is old and expensive.
''But I never want the courts to be in a position where they cannot send a criminal to prison because there is no place available.
''So we have to move as fast as we can to replace the older parts of our prison system.''
The plans for the super-prison appear to contrast with the views of Mr Grayling's predecessor Kenneth Clarke who was an advocate of rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
In addition to the super-prison Mr Grayling unveiled plans for four new mini-prisons known as houseblocks.
It is intended to build these at existing prisons at Parc in South Wales, Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, the Mount in Hertfordshire, and Thameside in London. In total they will be able to hold up to 1,260.
Some 83,632 inmates were behind bars as of last Friday, down from the record high of 88,179 after the summer's riots in 2011. MoJ forecasts show the population could hit 90,900 by 2018.
Plans to build a new super-prison are likely to draw comparisons to Labour's £2.9 billion proposal for three 2,500-capacity ''Titan'' jails, which was scrapped in 2009.
Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: ''Closing prisons and reducing prison numbers offers major social and economic gains but it would be a gigantic mistake if the Justice Secretary were to revive the discredited idea of titans and pour taxpayers' money down the prison-building drain, when the coalition Government could invest in crime prevention, healthcare and community solutions to crime.''
Kingston Prison - in profile
Based in Portsmouth, Hampshire, Kingston is a category C prison holding up to 205 indeterminate sentenced prisoners.
It holds both category B life-sentenced prisoners and category C life-sentenced prisoners. It has four wings of single accommodation and another with a mixture of single and shared rooms. It had an annual budget of £5.8 million in the year 2011/12 and the cost per prisoner is roughly £50,000.
Employment opportunities include catering, desktop publishing, fork lift truck operation and data entry.
The prison was built between 1874 and 1876 by French prisoners of war and is a listed building with many of the original Victorian architectural features. Notable inmates include EastEnders actor Leslie ''Dirty Den'' Grantham.
Comments(27)
Torchie1
says...
12:07pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Linesman wrote:From the BBC website which has more detail :-
"In total, the six prisons (that are to close) hold up to 2,600 prisoners."
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.
"Mr Grayling unveiled plans for four new mini-prisons known as houseblocks.
Under the proposals, those would be built at existing prisons at Parc in south Wales, Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, the Mount in Hertfordshire, and Thameside in London.
And, in total, they will be able to hold up to 1,260."
To me it seems that the total capacity will be 3260. Panic over.
voiceinthecrowd
says...
12:16pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Oh Yes We Do
Its called deportationm back to their own Countries
Problem solved
Vonnie
says...
12:24pm Thu 10 Jan 13
voiceinthecrowd wrote:You are making one hell of an ignorant presumption. Without any facts and figures to back it up.
What a shame we dont have somewhere to send unwanted criminals Oh Yes We Do Its called deportationm back to their own Countries Problem solved
Subject48
says...
12:27pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Linesman
says...
12:31pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Torchie1 wrote:Thanks for that.
Linesman wrote:From the BBC website which has more detail :-
"In total, the six prisons (that are to close) hold up to 2,600 prisoners."
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.
"Mr Grayling unveiled plans for four new mini-prisons known as houseblocks.
Under the proposals, those would be built at existing prisons at Parc in south Wales, Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, the Mount in Hertfordshire, and Thameside in London.
And, in total, they will be able to hold up to 1,260."
To me it seems that the total capacity will be 3260. Panic over.
I was commenting on the Echo article and pointing out how the statements made did not add up.
Outside of the Box
says...
12:31pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Torchie1 wrote:The new houseblocks will be built inside (pardon the pun) existing private prisons (apart from the Mount) so there is going to be another private prison to be built with the MoJ then handing it over the a private company to run, whilst closing 6 HMP Service prisons down.
Linesman wrote:From the BBC website which has more detail :-
"In total, the six prisons (that are to close) hold up to 2,600 prisoners."
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.
"Mr Grayling unveiled plans for four new mini-prisons known as houseblocks.
Under the proposals, those would be built at existing prisons at Parc in south Wales, Peterborough in Cambridgeshire, the Mount in Hertfordshire, and Thameside in London.
And, in total, they will be able to hold up to 1,260."
To me it seems that the total capacity will be 3260. Panic over.
Privatisation of the Prison service, the MoJ should really sort out the existing problems they have before with private contractors failing to deliver on contracts before embarking on this.
The courts for instance, a new contractor took 18 months ago and since then the courts in the UK have been in disarray, prisoner escapes, up, prisoners released in error, up, prisoners going to the wrong prison/court, up Judges being made to wait for prisoners who turn late for court, up, staff contracts ripped up and given new ones on less money, staff morale at an all time low, all in the name of privatisation and austerity.
Privatisation is sometimes not the answer Mr Grayling, sort the mess you've created in the courts before you start tampering with prisons
waltons11
says...
1:03pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Subject48 wrote:They do not clothe them, if they want TV they have to pay for the rental, they also provide their own bedding. I will admit they do feed them (very badly-having seen what they serve up I would not want to eat it!) and they exercise in an outside area, walking or playing football. I cannot see that this costs anything. The costs are made up of wages (a governor is on roughly £65k per year) and running costs, although the heating is rarely on so this cannot cost too much.As with everything costs are down to wages and staffing levels more than anything else, and these are dictated by the government and unions. I do think they should deport foreign nationals though, if you come here and break the law then you don't deserve to stay (that would save a few quid!)
Or instead of feeding them clothing them and giving them free tv and excercise, maybe make them work cracking rocks or other such labour...? Keeps them away from civilised people and is beneficial for society.
Shoong
says...
1:07pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Linesman wrote:I must say that I feel the opposite is needed, more prisons should be built as long as we are all happy to pay for them.
"In total, the six prisons (that are to close) hold up to 2,600 prisoners."
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.
'Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.'
You aren't still falling for election promises are you? Come on.
You would think the experience of 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime' might have at least prepared you to be a little cynical, or does it only count when the Conservative party spouts off?
Do you remember who said that btw?
hulla baloo
says...
1:31pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Shoong wrote:BLIAR.
Linesman wrote:I must say that I feel the opposite is needed, more prisons should be built as long as we are all happy to pay for them.
"In total, the six prisons (that are to close) hold up to 2,600 prisoners."
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.
'Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.'
You aren't still falling for election promises are you? Come on.
You would think the experience of 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime' might have at least prepared you to be a little cynical, or does it only count when the Conservative party spouts off?
Do you remember who said that btw?
stay local
says...
1:44pm Thu 10 Jan 13
voiceinthecrowd wrote:Why not just move the prison walls and gates to encompass the whole of Portsmouth?
What a shame we dont have somewhere to send unwanted criminals
Oh Yes We Do
Its called deportationm back to their own Countries
Problem solved
Stillness
says...
2:00pm Thu 10 Jan 13
hulla baloo
says...
2:44pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Hdg end mo wrote:Move everybody off the island and send all the criminals there to look after them selves.Just have a couple of gunships patrolling the waters to shoot and escapees.
They should close down the nonces prison on the island
And bury them in the english channel
Thats cost cutting
vpharm
says...
3:58pm Thu 10 Jan 13
jazzi
says...
4:07pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Not sure I would like to live near a huge prison for fear of riots.
Linesman
says...
4:07pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Shoong wrote:I certainly cannot remember any other Prime Minister making the same promise and then cutting the prison capacity.
Linesman wrote:I must say that I feel the opposite is needed, more prisons should be built as long as we are all happy to pay for them.
"In total, the six prisons (that are to close) hold up to 2,600 prisoners."
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.
'Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.'
You aren't still falling for election promises are you? Come on.
You would think the experience of 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime' might have at least prepared you to be a little cynical, or does it only count when the Conservative party spouts off?
Do you remember who said that btw?
Linesman
says...
4:09pm Thu 10 Jan 13
stay local wrote:Maybe that is why there is a proposal to extend the city walls at the Bargate.
voiceinthecrowd wrote:Why not just move the prison walls and gates to encompass the whole of Portsmouth?
What a shame we dont have somewhere to send unwanted criminals
Oh Yes We Do
Its called deportationm back to their own Countries
Problem solved
Linesman
says...
4:11pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Linesman wrote:That is in addition to cutting the Police budget and police numbers.
Shoong wrote:I certainly cannot remember any other Prime Minister making the same promise and then cutting the prison capacity.
Linesman wrote:I must say that I feel the opposite is needed, more prisons should be built as long as we are all happy to pay for them.
"In total, the six prisons (that are to close) hold up to 2,600 prisoners."
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.
'Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.'
You aren't still falling for election promises are you? Come on.
You would think the experience of 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime' might have at least prepared you to be a little cynical, or does it only count when the Conservative party spouts off?
Do you remember who said that btw?
kingnotail
says...
5:03pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Lockssmart
says...
5:10pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Torchie1
says...
5:14pm Thu 10 Jan 13
kingnotail wrote:Fines that won't be paid and Community Service if it's convenient?
End all imprisonment for non-violent/sexual crimes, replace it with fines and community service.
Outside of the Box
says...
7:02pm Thu 10 Jan 13
kingnotail wrote:Do you mean no prison for sexual crimes or non sexual crimes, I take it you meant non sexual crimes, sorry it's been a long day
End all imprisonment for non-violent/sexual crimes, replace it with fines and community service.
Stillness
says...
7:15pm Thu 10 Jan 13
Outside of the Box wrote:Complicated isn't it.
kingnotail wrote:Do you mean no prison for sexual crimes or non sexual crimes, I take it you meant non sexual crimes, sorry it's been a long day
End all imprisonment for non-violent/sexual crimes, replace it with fines and community service.
bazzeroz
says...
7:20pm Thu 10 Jan 13
B. L.
says...
5:31pm Fri 11 Jan 13
Linesman wrote:Ah yes, but you now have high salary Police Commissioners, that should solve everything including increasing the Police budget and police numbers. :)
Linesman wrote:That is in addition to cutting the Police budget and police numbers.
Shoong wrote:I certainly cannot remember any other Prime Minister making the same promise and then cutting the prison capacity.
Linesman wrote:I must say that I feel the opposite is needed, more prisons should be built as long as we are all happy to pay for them.
"In total, the six prisons (that are to close) hold up to 2,600 prisoners."
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.
'Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.'
You aren't still falling for election promises are you? Come on.
You would think the experience of 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime' might have at least prepared you to be a little cynical, or does it only count when the Conservative party spouts off?
Do you remember who said that btw?
B. L.
says...
5:32pm Fri 11 Jan 13
Linesman wrote:Ah yes, but you now have high salary Police Commissioners, that should solve everything including increasing the Police budget and police numbers. :)
Linesman wrote:That is in addition to cutting the Police budget and police numbers.
Shoong wrote:I certainly cannot remember any other Prime Minister making the same promise and then cutting the prison capacity.
Linesman wrote:I must say that I feel the opposite is needed, more prisons should be built as long as we are all happy to pay for them.
"In total, the six prisons (that are to close) hold up to 2,600 prisoners."
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.
'Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.'
You aren't still falling for election promises are you? Come on.
You would think the experience of 'tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime' might have at least prepared you to be a little cynical, or does it only count when the Conservative party spouts off?
Do you remember who said that btw?
B. L.
says...
5:33pm Fri 11 Jan 13
Linesman says...
11:45am Thu 10 Jan 13
"The six will be replaced by a 2,000 capacity 'super prison' which could hold more than 2,000 prisoners."
Does that make sense?
How can a '2,000 capacity' super prison hold more than its capacity?
The six prisons that are being closed have a capacity of 2,600, so the plan is to reduce the overall capacity by 600, with the capacity at three prisons on the Isle of Wight being reduced.
Cameron's election pledge was that he was going to be tough on crime.
If this is an example of that, then I am not impressed or convinced.