Prisoners get pleasure from enjoyable day trip as they’re taken on journey to Blackpool as a deal with
Prisons are meant to keep dangerous members of our society away from us, but in a bizarre twist, a report found some inmates were taken to Blackpool as a way to readjust them
Prisoners have gone on daytime jaunts to Blackpool Beach as part of an ‘enrichment activity’. Lags at HMP Kirkham, an open jail for around 650 inmates, got on a bus for the 10-mile trip to the Blackpool area to go beach combing.
They were tasked with tidying up the beach, removing any marine debris and litter and binning it. A report by Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, praised the activity, saying it was ‘very popular’ with offenders on Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL).
Other ‘fun’ activities included nature walks, going on cycling trips, film nights and debate clubs. The report states: “Leaders had introduced several good-quality enrichment activities that prisoners could participate in while on ROTL, including cycling and beach cleaning.
“Leaders had consulted with staff and prisoners, which had led to a range of options being considered and developed. By the end of 2024, a busy schedule of activities was on offer.
“The programme was further refined in subsequent months and promoted across the site. Activities included competitions, film nights, and debating clubs.”
It added that ‘beach cleaning’ was ‘particularly popular’. The report continued, adding: “Prisoners who had taken part expressed satisfaction at being able to do something positive for the community.”
The findings of the report finished off by stating: “All ROTL plans now included a section on enrichment activity to encourage prisoners to participate. Many of the activities involved staff and prisoners participating together, such as nature walks, which helped to break down barriers and improve relationships.”
Despite the praise, HMP Kirkham was criticised for rampant drugs use, with 40% of lags testing positive in random tests, adding: “Illicit drugs were far too freely available’. A Prison Service spokesperson said ‘positive progress’ was being made at the jail, but acknowledged ‘challenges’ over tackling drugs.
It comes as recent incidents involving drones sneaking contraband into prisons have been seen up and down the country. One prison, HMP Pentonville, confirmed that various forms of prohibited items, such as drugs, phones and switch knives were being dropped into the jail by prisons.
The move came after razors had been specifically removed from prisons across the country in order to stop violence in jails between inmates. But a new study found that knife crime remains high in prisons as lags resort to “old school methods” of violence.
The report said: “(Among them include) using cut-off broom and mop handles as weapons. The appearance of flick knives was alarming.”
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