Drugs, syringes and mobile phones are being thrown over the walls of Maidstone prison to inmates waiting inside.

That is one of the findings of a report which says prison managers are still fighting a losing battle against the flow of drugs from outside.

The annual report by the Independent Monitoring Board of Maidstone Prison found that although the new management team was working hard to stem the flow of drugs into the jail, its efforts were not having enough effect.

Two drug-dealing gangs had been split up, with members being sent to different prisons. Drug testing was said to have helped the situation but too many illicit items, including drugs, were still getting into the jail.

The report said: “Drugs continue to be a serious problem. The prison’s location in the town centre makes it vulnerable to a constant stream of packages thrown over the walls.

“The prison management is engaged in a continuous battle to stem the tide of drugs and other items into the prison.

“Contents of packages are not limited to drugs. The packages are retrieved either by prisoners being in the right place when they come over the wall or retrieving them by throwing lines from their cell windows.”

Items discovered in packages included syringes, mobile phones, chargers, ampoules of testosterone and drugs.

The report noted that grilles fitted to windows in one wing, and due to be fitted to two others, did cut down the number of packages getting through in those areas, but the problem invariably moved to a different area.

Members were also concerned about the amount of time prisoners spent working, and wanted assurances that when a wing currently being refurbished is reopened, there will be enough resources for all inmates to have purposeful employment, work, education or courses.

The report, however, also recognised that many areas had improved since a critical inspection report in 2007 found serious weaknesses under the previous management.

The internal communications between management and staff, which had been heavily criticised, had improved, as had the provision for segregated inmates, disabled offenders and the variety of cultures represented in the jail. Facilities for visits had also been boosted and there were plans for extra improvements, subject to planning approval.

The report said: “Progress to date is encouraging and the prison is being led by a team who believe in communicating necessary changes directly to all members of staff and prisoners and keeping the Independent Monitoring Board informed of changes taking place.

“There is still a lot to be done to achieve the governor’s goals, the task is not being helped by population pressures and budget cuts.”

Governor Stephen O’Connell said: “It is a balanced report. I think it accurately reflects where Maidstone Prison is in terms of the development post the HMIP report.”

The Independent Monitoring Board is made up of volunteers who act as watchdogs on behalf of ministers and the public.