THE safety of prisoners at Portland's Verne jail was slammed in a report today.

An inspection found a sharp rise in the number of prisoners seeking segregation for their own safety and weaknesses in dealing with bullies and with suicide prevention.

The report also criticised how the prison deals with foreign inmates, who account for half of the prison's population of 582. It also pointed out the need to publish information in foreign languages, especially when foreign prisoners were required to sign documents.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Anne Owers said: "It is always disappointing when a prison which had previously been performing well is found to have deteriorated.

"It is of particular concern when the dip in performance relates to safety. Staff and managers need to address this urgently."

Prison governor Denise Calvert said: "We have addressed through an action plan all the new points raised and I have held meetings with my functional heads and indicated work for them to do.

"We have highlighted the problems and they will be resolved within a 12-month period.

"I can't say there will be no bullying, but we will be tackling it as per the policy we are drawing up.

"This report highlights some deficiencies, but also indicates that the Verne is a good prison and is performing well."

Alan Scott, area manager for south west prisons said: "The report highlights areas of concern but I don't interpret it that it is a failing prison.

"It is hitting the majority of its targets but there is always room for improvement.

"I think the Verne compares very well to other prisons. The future for the Verne as a prison is bright.

"There is a need to move things forward and to address areas of concern and I am confident they will do that."

The inspection which led to the report took place between July 19 and 20.

New schemes designed to tackle the problems include the use of a computer programme to translate documents into different languages for foreign prisoners and isolating in rooms the perpetrators, rather than the victims, of bullying.

INSIDE THE VERNE SPECIAL FEATURE IN YOUR ECHO TOMORROW