Concerns raised after notorious prison forced to close its doors
One of the South West’s most notorious prison has been closed after high levels of gas were discovered in the 200 year old building.
Inmates from Dartmoor Prison have been moved after high levels of the gas were discovered.
The men’s prison in Devon, was temporarily closed earlier this month because of “dangerously high” radon levels.
Devon County councillor Philip Sanders said: “It is exceptionally worrying time.”
He said residents and staff have received “no clear information” about the future of the prison, and “everyone is nervous and not sure what is going to happen.”
“We can only wait and see, there is no clear information, and the cost of dealing with radon could be very significant,” he added.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: “Public safety will always be this government’s priority.
“We are working with staff to ensure they are supported and safely placed in alternative roles,” it added.
More than 400 prisoners were removed from the jail after a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found radon levels 10 times the recommended workplace limit.
The closure could be for up to two years, and comes at a time when almost all prisons in the UK are full.
The Ministry of Justice said it would take further advice from specialists and keep staff updated.
“We are continually keeping the position at Dartmoor under review and work is underway on the development of permanent mitigations,” the MoJ said.
“We are working with staff to ensure they are supported and safely placed in alternative roles.”
Dartmoor opened in 1809 and was set to close in 2023, but the plans were scrapped in 2019.
It has housed some of the UK’s most notorious criminals including Jack “the Hat” McVitie, Jack “Spot” Comer, John George Haigh, and Frank Mitchell.
