Jail 'greatly improved' despite staff shortages

One of Britain's most notorious jails has " great ly improved" despite crippling staff shortages and chronic over-crowding, a report claimed today.

Wormwood Scrubs had introduced fundamental changes in a difficult and stressful environment and, in many ways, was coping better than other similar prisons in the capital, it says.

Yet, despite the praise, the report by the Chief Inspector Of Prisons, Anne Owers, revealed inmates were spending much more time in their cells while too few were engaged in meaningful work or education.

Just two years after the jail was condemned for "sliding backwards" on key areas of progress Ms Owers, in a report which listed 137 recommendationssays: "It is gratifyingto report we found a greatly improved prison.

"It was providing a consistent if inadequate regime, dedicated firstnight support which needed to be supported by stronger suicide and self-harm procedures and an innovative and outward-looking resettlement unit and structure.

She also praises a " generally relaxed and respectful" atmosphere.