HM Prison Northallerton

HMP Northallerton
Location Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Security class Young Offenders Institution
Population 252 (as of December 2007)
Opened 1783
Closed 2013
Managed by HM Prison Services
Governor Chris Dyer
Website Northallerton at justice.gov.uk

HM Prison Northallerton was a male Young Offenders Institution, located in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, England. The prison was operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service until its closure in December 2013.

History

Northallerton opened as a county jail for the North Riding of Yorkshire in 1783. It once contained the world's largest treadmill, but has since been surpassed. It has had a number of changes of role over the years, including use as a military prison, a training prison for adults and a remand centre. Since the summer of 2002 it has operated as a Young Offender Institution for prisoners serving under two years.

In May 2003, a report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons commended Northallerton Prison for its improvement. Previously inspection reports had highlighted problems with bullying, poor sanitation and lack of exercise facilities at the jail. The report noted improvements in these areas but called on Northallerton to do more to help resettle offenders in the community.[1]

However, a further inspection report in April 2006 found that some shared cells at Northallerton were unhygienic and unfit for purpose. The report also raised concerns over the insufficient education and work opportunities for inmates at the prison.[2]

Before closure, the regime at Northallerton revolved mainly around the education and physical education departments and preparation for release via employment search. Northallerton had a Level 2 Health Care Centre with no in-patient facilities. There was a daily doctor's surgery and a weekly dental facility, and also a consultant psychiatric service.

On 4 September 2013, the Ministry of Justice announced that it intended to close Northallerton Prison by the end of 2013.[3] The prison was formally closed in December.[4]

In September 2014 Hambleton District Council announced that it is to bid to purchase Northallerton Prison from the Ministry of Justice.[5] The sale to the council was confirmed in February 2015, and the prison site is now part of a masterplan for Northallerton which includes the development of new homes, shops, leisure and education facilities.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Prison wins official praise". bbc.co.uk. 1 May 2003. Retrieved 2008-12-19.
  2. ↑ "Offenders living in unfit cells". bbc.co.uk. 19 April 2006. Retrieved 2008-12-19.
  3. ↑ "BBC News - Closure of Northallerton prison a 'disaster' for town". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-09-05.
  4. ↑ "BBC News - No decision made on future of Northallerton prison site". Bbc.co.uk. 2013-12-31. Retrieved 2014-07-22.
  5. ↑ "BBC News - Councillors approve plans to purchase Northallerton jail". BBC News.
  6. ↑ "BBC News - Northallerton Prison could become shops after Hambleton Council purchase". BBC News.

External links

Coordinates: 54°20′19″N 1°25′51″W / 54.33861°N 1.43083°W