A report which says gang culture, violence and idleness is rife at Rochester Young Offenders’ Institution has sparked an argument between the authors and the Ministry of Justice.

The report, released by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for the institution, lists a catalogue of problems at the facility.

But according to the Ministry of Justice, the highly critical report has been released early and without their approval.

The IMB denied the claim and said it had notified the ministry of its final report.

The IMB, an official government watchdog staffed by volunteer Rochester residents, produces an annual report into conditions at the institution.

This year the report condemns gang culture within the prison and a rise in assaults on staff and inmates.

The board also criticises the length of time prisoners spend in their cells and the lack of purposeful activities open to them.

Other concerns include the smuggling of drugs and mobile phones and the high turnover of inmates.

The prison buildings were also attacked. The report lists leaking roofs, ill-fitting windows and shower blocks in need of repair.

One possible cause for the poor appraisal is listed as the building of new facilities.

James Williamson, chairman of the IMB, said: “The protracted planning application approval and the subsequent building of the temporary custodial facility has meant significant management resources have been diverted from day-to-day running of the prison and, in the Board’s view, has resulted in the establishment marking time this year.”

The Ministry of Justice refused to comment on the report saying it was only draft copy and had been released early.

A spokesman said: “They’ve been a bit naughty sending it out. It’s still a draft report and as such we cannot comment.”

The IMB said this was not true.

A spokesman said: “We have done what we were meant to do and published our report. This is not a draft.”