SCOTLAND'S justice secretary has been pressed for an urgent update on the future of Greenock’s crumbling 113-year-old prison.
Inverclyde Council leader Stephen McCabe has written to Angela Constance, appealing for an up-to-date short, medium and long-term plan for the jail.
In his letter, Councillor McCabe noted that he had raised the issues surrounding the prison with her predecessor Keith Brown on several occasions.
Last month, Scotland’s chief inspector of prisons Wendy Sinclair-Gieben described the condition of the building as ‘appalling’.
She also praised staff for their efforts in ‘almost impossible’ working conditions.
Her comments followed the publication of an inspection report which stated the facility was ‘ill-suited’ for the demands of a modern prison.
Inspectors added that there is still a ‘compelling case’ for securing a more suitable replacement in Inverclyde.
Councillor McCabe said: “The fact that HMP Greenock is no longer fit for purpose and well past its sell-by-date is nothing new, we’ve been told this for many years.
“Prison staff were, rightly so, praised in the report for, among other things, creating an ‘excellent’ culture despite the challenges they face working in a building that is now 113-years-old.
“That good work I’m afraid only papers over the cracks, quite literally, of what are not only concerning accommodation and living conditions but also working conditions.
“I would welcome an urgent update from the cabinet secretary about the government’s plans for Greenock prison now and in the near future to ensure we have a facility fit for the 21st Century.”
West Scotland MSP Katy Clark also wrote to the minister last week, warning that the prison ‘cannot wait any longer’ for a suitable replacement.
She 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."
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