A prison in Goudhurst that has been hit by a number of abscond attempts in recent years is to close temporarily.

But the Prison Governors' Association, which represents senior prison staff, said it was "surprised" to find this out earlier today.

The union claims it has not been consulted on the decision and it leaves officials with "major concerns" about spare capacity within the estate - which is an open prison.

A statement added: "We are led to believe this decision has been borne out of the inability to recruit enough prison officers into some of the prisons in the South of England, and in particular the Isle of Sheppey in Kent."

The temporary closure has been ordered by the National Offender Management Service (NOMs).

The statement added: "NOMS has previously stated there would be no further prison closures in this Parliament and therefore the PGA will seek assurances that this is just a temporary measure and there are no further planned temporary or permanent prison closures."

Responding to rumours the site would be shut down permanently, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Blantyre House prison is not being closed.

"Prisoners will be moved out temporarily, some refurbishment work will take place and it is expected to be back in use later this year."

Since 2007 10 prisoners have known to have absconded.

The semi-open resettlement prison was re-rolled in July last year as a category D prison, having previously accepted category C offenders. It houses 122 prisoners.

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