Government takes over running of Nottinghamshire prison over safety concerns
It comes after warnings about conditions at the category-B jail
Last updated 18th Dec 2023
A prison branded unsafe by inspectors has been brought under Government control.
The Ministry of Justice said it had taken over the running of HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire on Monday and brought in a new governor to "improve safety and security at the prison".
It comes after warnings about conditions at the category-B Sodexo-run jail, which holds around 800 men, were made by the prisons watchdog earlier this year.
"Experienced" prison officers and other staff will also be brought in to "bolster" staffing levels and extra managers while an immediate review of conditions will be carried out, the MoJ added.
The move is for an "initial interim period" which may be extended and will "minimise disruption to staff", the department said.
It comes after inspectors found the prison in a "state of turmoil" in May after the handover from its former private contractor Serco.
"The fallout from this was affecting almost every aspect of prison life, with significant staff shortages and rising levels of self-harm, violence and disruptive behaviour," according to the findings published in August.