A critically poor level of dental care was one of several issues identified in a recent review of Maidstone prison.

Other areas of concern include an unsafe gym, increased tensions and a rise in prisoners using legal highs.

A report by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) highlighted that almost a third of inmates are waiting for dental treatment with the majority described as urgent cases.

The annual review also found in some instances prisoners at the foreign national facility had waited more than a year for the free treatment, but when the prison’s governors were approached they were unable to offer a practical solution.

The nine-person IMB, made up of volunteers from the town, also reported increasing use of the legal high Spice – a type of synthetic cannabis – and budget and facility issues relating to the diverse prison population.

Legal highs and home made alcohol were also identified as cause for concern by HM Inspectorate of Prisons last month.

That inspection revealed the prison had failed to adapt since changing to housing only foreign offenders in 2013, with the level of rehabilitation seen as problematic.

The IMB report found the catering budget has not been adequately amended since 2013, meaning it does not account for differing religious dietary requirements. Its multi-faith centre is not large enough to safely accommodate the 186 Muslim inmates wanting to attend Friday prayers, with the board recommending new facilities be sought.

Restrictions on the County Road prison’s maintenance budget has also led to rising tensions – many buildings have fallen into disrepair and the gym roof leaks, meaning for safety it cannot be used when it rains.

The report, which was published last week following an inspection last February, comes weeks after we revealed inmates at Maidstone were to get a £5 Christmas call allowance bonus if they had a good disciplinary record. If every one of the 552 prisoners received the credit it would cost the prison £2,760.

A Prison Service spokesman said: “The recent HMCIP report found Maidstone to be safe and decent, with good activity and education provision. We have increased the number of officers at Maidstone by recruiting new staff and bringing in support from other establishments.

“This has helped to increase kitchen and workshop activity. Additionally, the prison is looking to increase its chaplaincy provision to better reflect the current population of those being held there.”