MPs scrap fun run fee
Strangeways on verge of riot, warn jail experts
STRANGEWAYS prison is at risk of a blow-out worse than the 1990 riot, experts have warned.
The high-security prison in Manchester is said to be riddled with “unrest” and is a danger to society.
When a riot broke out 27 years ago, inmates started fires, damaged properties and injured 147 officers which cost the taxpayer £90million.
But ex-prisoner and crime expert Eric Allison, right, said: “The prison system today is in a worse state than at any time that I’ve known it.
“Make no mistake, there is massive, massive unrest ED GLEAVE in our prisons today. They are dangerous places for prisoners, they are dangerous places for prison staff and they are dangerous places for society. We are going to suffer in the future.” There has been a rise in prison violence in recent years with inmates kicking off at HMP Birmingham as recently as last December. Criminology lecturer Helen Arnold, who is taking part in a documentary for Channel 5, said: “Currently we are seeing an increase in prison violence and an increase in assaults among prisoners and prisoners on staff.”
The unrest in Strangeways is partly down to drugs being rife due to drones.
Officers first witnessed substances being flown over prison walls in late 2015 but the problem has now hit crisis point.
Mike Rolfe at the Prison Officers’ Association said: “There is a constant supply of drugs through drones.
“I’ve spoken to prisoners and they will tell me they’ve seen two or three drones a night coming over the walls bringing parcels over.”
Inside Strangeways is on Tuesday at 9pm on Channel 5. COUNCILS in England have been banned from charging people to take part in park fun runs under the Government’s new rules.
Parkrun events, run by volunteers, see thousands complete 5km courses in parks across the country but last year a council near Bristol proposed a £1 fee.
Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes condemned Stoke Gifford parish council, which was concerned about “increased wear” at a park.
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “These sporting events offer a fantastic opportunity to bring people together and improve their fitness too.”