News


downsmail.co.uk ‘Staff crisis’ at prison disputed


STAFF levels at Maidstone Prison have fallen by a third, yet the number of inmates continues to rise across the country, according to a charity. Research by the Howard League


for Penal Reform showed that the jail, which houses up to 600 prison- ers, had 144 officers in September 2010, but three years later the total had dropped by 31% to 100. East Sutton Park had a decrease


of 55% during the same period. The women’s prison, which has been earmarked for closure, had 22 offi- cers in 2010 but only 10 by Septem- ber 2013, said the Howard League. The charity said high living costs


and low wages in Kent made re- cruiting increasingly difficult, mak- ing conditions more dangerous for both staff and prisoners. Prisoner- on-prisoner assaults were up, and attacks on staff were at the highest


level since records began. As East Sutton was a women’s


jail, it did not have some of the problems with violence experi- enced in male prisons, said the re- port, but therewas a serious rise in self harm whichwas not helped by having fewer staff. However, the figures were dis-


puted by the Ministry of Justice, which said the criticismwas politi- cally-motivated and that staffing


Hiker’s 1,100-mile charity test


EVERYONE deserves time out, and one Maidstone businessman is mak- ing the most of his “me time” by walking from Land’s End to John O’ Groats for charity. After years running Bearsted and Barming’s Family Funeral Service, Michael Lawrence (57) handed the reins to colleague Matthew High- sted when he left on June 15. Michael said: “I’m looking for-


ward to being right away from everything, clearing my head, giv- ingmystaff a break, and being com- pletely anonymous.” Undaunted by the 1,100 miles that


lay ahead of him, Michaelwas plan- ning towalk 18-20 miles per day, six


days aweek, and hoped to reach the end of his journey in three months. The formerAylesford School stu-


dent, has been training for his marathon hike for almost two years, backed by his partner Shirley. He will be relying on his iPad and


phone to chart his route, which will take him across Bodmin Moor, over the Cotswolds and along the Bollin tunnel under Manchester Airport’s runway. He was most looking for- ward towalking the High Street – a Romanroad in the Lake District and the highest point on thewalk. He said: “Obviously, if the


weather’s not so good, then this won’t be as much fun as it sounds.


The real difficulties present them- selves in the North, where commu- nities are 40-50 miles apart.” In fact, this will be a considerable logistical challenge for Michael, as he will need to use taxis to get to his overnight accommodation and to re-start the route in the mornings. “The Land’s End to John O’Groats Society insists that thewalk must be unbroken, so this will involve a fair bit of mileage,” Michael said. All the effort is for the Blackthorn


Trust at Barming, where Michael began as a volunteer two years ago. He had raised £1,000 before set-


ting foot on the trail and hopes peo- ple will support him and track his


progress along the way. You can sponsor Michael at www.virgin- moneygiving.com/michaelgoesLe- Jog and catch up on his travel news atwww.familyfuneralservices.net.


levels had been agreed with the unions to ensure the running of safe, efficient and decent prisons. A report by the Independent Monitoring Board in June warned that staff shortages at Maidstone could lead to more serious inci- dents such as the riot in November last year involving 40 inmates. It expressed concern that staffingwas insufficient for the jail’s new role housing foreign nationals.


Services we offer: Maidstone


• A vibrant Day Care Service in seven locations throughout the Borough in partnership with Golding Homes and the PCT


• If required, transport can be provided to the Day Care facilities on our fleet of mini-buses


• Community Foot Care Services in the home or at our nearest clinic.


• Community Bathing Service in the home for Maidstone & Malling


• Independent Living Support for those that need help with their housework, garden or shopping


• Volunteering opportunities • Advocacy Service for Maidstone & Malling • Disability Travel Vouchers on behalf of Maidstone Borough Council


• Computer Classes for the over 60’s • A list of local traders that have been recommended to us by older people


• Wheelchair Hire from our office in the town centre • The Goodman Centre for clients with Dementia • Information & advice for over 50’s in our office in Mill Street.


For more information on all our services, please feel free to contact us at: 7, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6XW Between the hours of 10am-4pm Monday – Thursday, 10am-2pm Friday Or telephone us on 01622 753618 Or email: info@ageukmaidstone.org.uk Or visit our website: www.ageuk/maidstone.org.uk


6 Maidstone East August 2014


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