News
downsmail.co.uk Praise for prison facing closure
EAST Sutton Park continues to be a successful and effective women’s prison – in spite of budget con- straints and the threat of closure – according to the prison service’s In- dependent Monitoring Board. The IMB’s report for 2014/15 praises staff and the open prison’s practices for “continuing to substan- tially reduce re-offending rates”. It follows the IMB’s criticism last
year of the Minister of Justice for the delay in reaching a conclusion about the closure of the prison – proposed in 2014 – which, it said,was leaving staff and inmates in a difficult posi- tion for planning their futures. The latest report notes deteriora-
positive way they encourage the women to make the most of their time at East Sutton Park. “In spite of budget restraints, staff
tion at the prison, including rotting window frames, the very poor con- dition of showers and the prolifera- tion of broken and cracked tiles, but makes it clear that staff continue to “go the extra mile”. It reads: “ESP is a highly success-
ful and effective prison and staff are to be commended for the caring and
Caravan plan Head begins
PLANNING permission was granted for a total of four cara- vans to be sited in Nettlestead. Maidstone Council’s plan-
ning committee gave the go- ahead for two permanent caravans and two tourers on land at Ashtree Place, Hamp- stead Lane. The parish council objected, claiming the land was a flood risk, but there was no objection from the Environment Agency.
A NEW headteacher has been ap- pointed at St Mary’s Primary School, Laddingford. Gemma Brain joined the team at
the start of term, along with two new members of staff – Richard Martin and Chelsea Mellish. Ms Brain grew up in Maidstone, attending Barming Primary School and Maidstone Grammar School for Girls. She returned to the area eight
years ago and this is her first head- ship.
cuts and the continued threat of clo- sure, the majority have continued to go the extra mile to ensure the wel- fare of the women and to support their colleagues.” There was praise for ESP’s per-
sonal officer scheme and its pris- oner-led Vision team, which offers help on issues such as debt and housing to inmates prior to release, with the recommendation that it be rolled out to all other establishments. The report noted that policies and staff and peer support at the prison
Continued from page one The children had learnt 20 songs
in school – and a few dance moves – to prepare for the day. Athree-hour rehearsal preceded
the concert, in which the audience filled the ground floor of the venue, while the children packed the tiered seating to unite in song. St Mary’s School office manager
RachelWest said: “The noise in the stadiumwas deafening but exhila- rating.”
Laddingford pupil Isabella said:
resulted in a lower than average in- cidence of self-harming, although measures had been needed to deal with bullying. Therewas also special mention for
East SuttonPark’s farm and gardens, which it said was a valuable re- source, providing revenue and a therapeutic opportunity for prison- ers, especially those from violent and abusive backgrounds. The IMB recommended a review
of those serving the old “indetermi- nate sentences”. It found one inmate sentenced to two years had served nine. It also wants to see secure in- ternet access made available to in- mates in readiness for release.
Children shine on trip to O2
“We had all worked so hard learn- ing our words and it was totally amazing. The fact that Iwent with all of my friends was great. The sensation of singing with thou- sands of other children was ab- solutely brilliant.” English soprano Laura Wright
also led a rendition of ‘The World in Union’. Katy said: “It was brilliant and amazing. The light show was lovely and the show was enter- taining for everyone.”
01622 902005 10 Maidstone South February 2016
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