A SECOND wing of the controversial prison ship HMP Weare is now being refurbished, it was revealed today.

Island civic and business leaders have called for the Home Office to reveal more details about the jail and end the confusion about its fate.

The refurbishment means the ship is capable of holding 200 prisoners - half the number it homed when it closed just two months ago.

Tim Hogg, secretary of the Weare's Prison Officers' Association, said: "Two Home Office officials visited on Thursday and Friday of last week to see how many prison officers would be needed to reopen two wings of the jail.

"Opening two wings would save hundreds of thousands of pounds - it's very expensive to keep people in police custody."

Mr Hogg said there were currently 16 officer support grade home office staff at the prison.

He continued: "There are mixed messages among the support grades at the moment with some saying they feel a lot more secure in their jobs. There are also lots of officers who have been transferred elsewhere and would like to return."

He added that he did not know any details about when it would reopen and what prisoners it would cater for.

But despite calls from the Island's civic and business community for information Home Office officials are refusing to reveal further reopening details.

President of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce David Beaman, said: "Why the secret? We are obviously going to find out sooner or later."

Rupert Best, of Portland Port, said the current agreement with the Home Office means the Weare can stay in the port until March 31.

But despite the pleas the Home Office has refused to comment on the exact reason for refurbishment.

A spokeswoman said: "The prison population is constantly monitored to ensure the estate is operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. This includes making the maximum use of the prison estate, which may involve changes in function of accommodation as well as expansion of the estate."

South Dorset MP Jim Knight insisted that the Weare would not re-open.

He said: "Having spoken to the Home Office I can say that there is no intention of re-opening the Weare. Any work being carried out is to keep it seaworthy which they have a responsibility to do as long as the ship is at Portland."