A UNIT for vulnerable women inmates at Styal prison in Cheshire could be shut as part of a series of reforms to improve conditions and cut deaths.
The proposed closure of what is the only unit of its kind for women prisoners in the country was recommended nearly two years ago by chief inspector of prisons Anne Owers.
While the Prison Service says a decision on the fate of the 16-bed unit has not yet been taken, it could be closed within months.
News of the proposed closure comes in the wake of a record number of deaths at the prison. In the 12 months to August six women died.
Following the latest death, of Liverpool mum Julie Walsh, an independent inquiry was launched by prisons and probations ombudsman Stephen Shaw.
Today while the news has caused concern to some prisoners' families, campaigners say they are in favour of the possible closure of Butler House because they say the conditions there are "terrible."
According to the Howard League for Penal Reform, the building was damp, there were numerous fixtures and fittings which could be used by inmates to hang themselves and the women were isolated and did not have enough access to education and exercise.
Howard League for Penal Reform spokeswoman Claire McCarthy said: "We believe that too many prisoners are segregated as it is sometimes seen as a quick-fix solution by the Prison Service.
"We know that there are lots of vulnerable women in the prison who need the appropriate regime to cope with being there, but this unit wasn't providing that. This is why we are in favour of closure."
A Home Office spokesman said a decision on the unit would be taken within the next few weeks.
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It can't be that uncomfortable, I've heard an inmate talking on the radio today who wants to stay in the unit & was threatening all kinds of things if they moved her to the main prison.
I say if you can't do the time don't do the crime.
Its not supposed to be a holiday camp & how many offences do these criminals get convicted of before they are finally jailed ?
These are serial offenders who need locking up from the society they show scant regard for whilst running havoc when they are free.
Harsh punishment is the only answer to keep these criminals on the straight & narrow.
A good birching on getting a first offence conviction would deter them from a life of crime.
The closure of the vulnerable prisoner unit was recommended 2 years ago by the Chief Inspector of Prisons because of unacceptable conditions in the unit; also, inmates have not had proper access to education and gym facilities. The Prison Service must act on the Inspector's recommendations, but it must be planned and executed in a strategic way, in the best interests of the inmates. It must be well thought out, and the safety and welfare of prisoners is of paramount importance, given Styal's recent record of 6 deaths in 12 months. Styal inmates are owed a legal duty of care by Styal Prison. Providing this is not seen as a cost-cutting measure for HMP, the Prison Service should move forward on the Inspector's report bearing in mind, at all times, the safety of the prisoners.