A LABOUR MSP has warned Greenock’s crumbling prison ‘cannot wait any longer’ for a suitable modern replacement.
Katy Clark has written to justice secretary Angela Constance regarding the ‘dramatic physical deterioration’ of HMP Greenock.
It comes after Scotland’s chief inspector of prisons recently branded the condition of the 113-year-old jail as ‘appalling’.
Following the publication of a full inspection report earlier this month, Wendy Sinclair-Gieben praised the prison’s staff for fostering ‘excellent’ relationships with inmates despite working in ‘almost impossible’ conditions.
Ms Clark, who sits on the criminal justice committee at the Scottish Parliament, said: “Last year, the previous Justice Secretary informed me that the Scottish Prison Service was unlikely to be able to commence work to replace HMP Greenock before 2025/26.
“I was also told no contingency plans had been made for its closure.
“This position is no longer tenable.
"Prison staff are doing an excellent job, but they are doing so in conditions the Prisons Inspector has described as ‘almost impossible’.
“Having visited the prison myself, this is something I would fully echo.
READ MORE: 'Appalling' condition of HMP Greenock highlighted by top inspector
“Continuing to stall progress in light of this is not sustainable.”
Several issues with the HMP Greenock building were highlighted in this month’s report, including a ‘leak-prone’ roof, kitchen ventilation and flooring.
The report made no fewer than 68 recommendations for improvement, with Ms Sinclair Gieben demanding a clear commitment from the Scottish Government and Scottish Prison Service to replace the building.
Ms Clark added: “The Scottish Government has said that it has been forced to prioritise capital investment on areas of highest need.
“I believe Greenock Prison has now passed the threshold to be considered in that category.
“There is now cross-party consensus on the need for a new, modern replacement prison here in Inverclyde, with its superb staff fully retained.
"The dramatic physical deterioration of the building means this development cannot wait any longer.”
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