Prison cafe forced to close after 14 years

A popular prison cafe says it has been forced to close after 14 years after it was unable to secure long term use of its building.

Rachel Barton from the Jailhouse Cafe at Verne Prison on the Isle of Portland said they failed reach an agreement with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), which owns the site, and was left with "no other choice" but to close.

The charity run cafe, which hoped to secure an agreement to use the site for 10 years so that it could chase funding for much-needed refurbishment work, will close on 31 January.

The MOJ has been approached for a comment.

Barton called the closure a "difficult decision," she said: "We are sorry as the café has been a great success and very popular with locals and visitors alike since we opened in 2012."

The board of trustees, behind Expia Limited, which runs the cafe said it had been in negotiations with the MOJ for the last two years.

"This has been unsuccessful which is very disappointing for everyone," they said.

They thanked customers for their support over the years and said the Jailhouse Farm shop, which was attached to cafe will now become a gift shop.

They added that the Jailhouse Diner at the Grove, which they also run, will remain open.

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