Inspectors say recommendations were not carried out

A report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, in July 2003 said H-wing in Lindholme prison, Doncaster, was "among the worst" in the country.

An unannounced inspection in June revealed that the wing remained open despite calls for its urgent closure.

The prison governor insisted conditions at the jail had changed for the better.

Urgent action

He said the report was unfair and added that H-wing was recently closed and replaced with new accommodation.

Inspectors said the wing is still beset by widespread intimidation, assaults and poor discipline, as well as drug and alcohol abuse.

Lindholme includes a 112-bed immigration centre and holds category C prisoners, including those serving life sentences.

The report last year followed a visit in March 2003.

On that occasion there was praise for a range of improvements that had been made following a previous inspection.

Ms Owers said Lindholme had the potential to become "a first rate training prison" once "necessary and urgent action" was taken in H-wing.