Plan to tackle violence and drugs at HMP Woodhill

The government has come up with a plan to tackle violence, drugs and poor conditions at a high security prison criticised by inspectors.

Last month, HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes was placed under an urgent notification by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for the second time in three years.

Inspectors found it had the highest rate of serious assaults on staff among all the long-term high secure prisons in England and Wales.

Lord Timpson, minister for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending, said: "We are putting more staff on the ground and backing HMP Woodhill with the investment it needs to improve."

The report last month also found that general violence had increased, drug use was the highest of all adult male prisons and the prison was dirty.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) says a unit where offenders are incentivised to keep off substances will be introduced.

In addition, there will be recruitment of specialist staff dedicated to supporting prisoners dealing with addiction.

The plan will see conditions improved for prisoners with a focus on cleanliness and refurbishments, the MoJ says.

"The prison crisis we inherited has left too many jails struggling with violence, drugs and poor conditions," Lord Timpson added.

"The action plan sets out the decisive steps we are tackling to improve safety, tackle drugs and drones, and get more prisoners into the education and training they need to leave crime behind."

A new governor, who prioritised stabilising the prison, was appointed last year.

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.