PEOPLE detained at an immigration holding centre at Dover docks should have better access to healthcare, legal advice and pens, according to a government report.

Two inspectors made a surprise visit in January to the residential centre at the Eastern Docks which is managed by Dover Harbour Board and run by the Port of Dover police.

It can hold up to 60 people, including families, who have been refused entry to the UK, and is consists of dormitories, association rooms, toilets and showers, and an outside exercise area only a few feet from the main freight lane along which lorries "constantly thundered". The inspectors’ report, just published, made 12 recommendations including ensuring that detainees have access to a healthcare check within 24 hours of arrival.

Staff should use a telephone interpreting service when necessary, and immigration leaflets should be available in communal areas.

The telephone numbers of the Refugee Legal Centre and Immigration Advisory Service should be displayed, and detainees should be able to contact lawyers by phone, fax or e-mail free of charge.

About six children a month are detained at the centre and the inspectors said all those claiming to be children should be referred to social services for assessment. At the moment, staff do not refer those who claim to be children but are believed to be adults.

All staff coming into contact with children should undergo enhanced Criminal Record Bureau checks.

There should be a formal system for detainees to report racist incidents and proper documentation should also be kept on the use of restraint which should be overseen by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate.

The inspectors were concerned about points in the bedrooms and shower rooms where detainees could hang themselves.

When inspectors asked detainees to complete questionnaires none of them had a pen. "It was likely that some people would be unaware they could request pens, or would be unable to if they spoke no English," said the inspectors.

An action report is to be drawn up in response to the report.