Winchester prison inmates say they are 'absolutely freezing' in 'horrible conditions' due to ongoing heating issues

Relatives of inmates inside the prison have told The News that prisoners are resorting to padding their windows and doors with blankets and tape in an effort to stop heat escaping their cells.

According to prison authorities, the Winchester site is facing an ongoing issue that sees the heating system ‘trip out’, depriving cells of warmth.

The problem comes as temperatures reached as low as minus seven degrees in the city this week.

One relative of an inmate, who asked not to be named, said they were deeply concerned for the welfare of their loved-one.

The family member, who visited the prison on Wednesday, December 7, said: ‘He said it is absolutely freezing. He said there’s older people in there shivering and shaking.

‘He could end up with pneumonia and hypothermia. It’s absolutely terrible.’

In the latest independent monitoring board (IMB) review published just two months ago, inspectors found that the Hampshire prison was made up of vermin-infested, crumbling, buildings that had become outdated, as well as suffering from the loss of experienced staff.

One inmate’s relative said prisoner morale is ‘very low’.

They said: ‘They are always saying they are short staffed.’

Prisoners report a number of issues arising from the staff shortages, including inmates being locked in cells for the vast majority of the day, disruption to shower routines due to a lack of staff supervision, and a lack of job and training facilities.

A Prison Service spokeswoman said the prison is ‘urgently’ working to resolve the heating issue.

She said: ‘In the meantime, prisoners are being provided with extra blankets and jumpers, and cell temperatures are monitored closely.’

Prison staff are regularly monitoring the temperature of cells to ensure they remain a habitable temperature, with the minimum acceptable temperature being 16 degrees Celsius. Prison officer pay has been boosted to at least £30,000 in an effort to hire and retain staff.

The spokeswoman added: ‘Our current recruitment drive will enable prisoners to spend more time out of their cells, engaging in activities that help reduce their chances of reoffending once released.’