THE Ministry of Justice has ordered "urgent" repair work at HMP Winchester, along with the installation of new CCTV and the recruitment of more specialist staff.

The measures come after the jail received an "urgent notification" in October, with inspectors finding high levels of violence, poor living conditions and inadequate support for prisoners, including issues with drugs and self-harm. 

One former magistrate described the prison as a "rotting, festering cesspit", telling how prisoners trap rats in buckets as the vermin run freely between the cells.

In another instance, a prisoner was able to remove his cell door while other inmates have reported that the walls in the Victorian building are crumbling.

READ MORE: Former magistrate calls Winchester Prison 'rotting, festering cesspit'

The Prison Service has now published a new action plan to bolster safety and conditions at the prison. This includes more frequent cleaning schedules and urgent repairs to cells damaged by mould and vandalism. Meanwhile, a rapid audit of cells has removed nine from use, ensuring all accommodation is fit for purpose.

The prison will also boost security by completing a comprehensive survey of its CCTV systems by the end of this month to ensure they are operating effectively. In addition, a new drug strategy will be rolled out to tackle the high number of illicit drugs entering the jail and help more offenders beat addiction.

Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons and Probation, said: "The dire situation at Winchester highlighted by the Chief Inspector is yet another symptom of the prison crisis we inherited.

"We are supporting the prison and its staff who are working hard to deliver improvements in challenging circumstances. This action plan will ensure they have the support they need."

SEE ALSO: Winchester Prison needs 'urgent improvement', watchdog warns

The report also highlighted only around a quarter of prisoners were offered a phone call when they arrived, with some men waiting weeks to have their telephone numbers approved.

To address this, all new prisoners will be offered a telephone call within their first 24 hours, and systems will be improved to ensure calls can be made to families outside normal business hours. This will help offenders maintain communication with their loved ones, which is crucial to their rehabilitation.

Extra staff have also been deployed to increase prisoners’ time out of cells and improve access to the education and training they need to turn their backs on crime.